Zulum Presents N584.76 Billion Appropriation Bill For 2025 Fiscal Year
By Bukar BOLORI
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum on Monday presented an appropriation bill of ₦584.76 billion to the state House of Assembly for 2025 fiscal year.
The bill tagged: “Budget of Recovery and Continuity,” gives priority to health, education, and economic recovery, including critical investments in security, infrastructure, and social services.
The governor, while presenting the bill on the floor of the State House of Assembly, explained that it comprised a Capital Expenditure of ₦380.84 billion and a Recurrent Expenditure of ₦203.92 billion.
Zulum disclosed that the proposed budget will be financed through Recurrent Revenue from Federation Allocation Account of ₦311.7 billion, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of ₦30.09 billion, and Capital Receipts of ₦237.96 billion.
He noted that the health sector will receive significant allocation, with ₦89.97 billion, representing 15.39% of the total budget and would fund projects such as the construction of an Orthopaedic Hospital in Maiduguri, establishment of General Hospitals in various local government areas, and rehabilitation of hospitals in Baga and Mulai.
The education sector would be allocated he ₦69.81 billion for projects, including the establishment of modern schools and rehabilitation of facilities in 50 schools across the state.
He said to address food insecurity, ₦10 billion has been allocated for procurement of food items, cultivation of 100,000 hectares for rain-fed farming, and 50,000 hectares for irrigation.
Additionally, ₦22 billion has been set aside for victim support and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
The governor noted that other priority projects in the 2025 budget include the establishment of Maiduguri Dry Port, dualization of the Maiduguri-Biu Road, and modernization of Borno Radio and Television (BRTV).
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to addressing key challenges, including clearing the backlog of pensions and gratuities and implementing the ₦72,000 minimum wage for civil servants and teachers.
He appealed to members of the House of Assembly to expedite passage of the proposed budget, insisting that it is with cooperation, support, and understanding that the state can be great again.
He said: “We recognize that our success hinges on this partnership, which will drive sustainable growth, enhance public services, and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commended the governor for the resettlement of victims of Boko Haram insurgency, while acknowledging the cordial working relationship between the legislature and the executive arms.