Borno State Acting Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N892.4 billion passed by the State Assembly.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had initially presented a budget of N890.3 billion to the Assembly on 29 December 2025 for the 2026 fiscal year, which was subsequently reviewed upwards by the House.
In a brief but historic event at the Council Chamber, Dr. Kadafur commended the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and the public interest.
“I wish to appreciate the meticulous, diligent and sustained effort of the House, especially considering the prevailing economic realities and fiscal pressures,” he stated.
He praised the House for the expeditious consideration and timely passage of both the appropriation bill and the Local Government Amendment Law 2000.
The amended law extend the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors from two to three years, aiming to strengthen grassroots governance and improve service delivery.
Dr. Kadafur noted the occasion marked the administration’s financial roadmap for 2026. “This demonstrates the shared sense of responsibility and a clear understanding of the urgency of providing a sound financial framework for governance,” he remarked.
He assured the Assembly and the people of the state of the administration’s commitment to prudent implementation, accountability, and value for money.
This is the first time an Acting Governor has performed this constitutional duty in the state’s history, following Governor Zulum’s proceeding on annual leave and the subsequent constitutional transmission of power to his deputy.
The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Honourable Abdulkarim Lawan, explained that the budget was reviewed after submissions from ministries, departments, and agencies, resulting in an increase of N2.37 billion.
“The budget size was increased by the sum of N2.37 billion, translating to the total sum of N892.4 billion. The increases were in the Health and Education sectors,” Hon. Lawan stated.
He detailed that “the sum of N1.774 billion was approved for the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), while the College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri, was added the sum of N400 million,” citing the importance of these sectors and concern for underprivileged members of society.
The event was attended by the APC State Chairman, Head of Serve, acting Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers and other personalities.
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