The Borno State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible budget implementation, emphasizing transparency, strategic planning, and financial prudence in the 2025 fiscal year.
Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Engr. Dr. Babagana Malumbe, who also serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, defended the budget during a press briefing at the International Conference Centre, Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
He highlighted key areas of the budget, including task allocation, financial constraints, and strategic spending to align expenditures with the state’s fiscal objectives. He stressed the importance of cost-saving measures, resource optimization, and automation of budgetary processes to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative costs.
The 2025 budget, themed *Budget for Recovery and Continuity*, was passed into law by the Borno State House of Assembly on December 9, 2024, and signed by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on January 7, 2025. Dr. Malumbe assured that the budget reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development and effective financial management.
The Commissioner reviewed the 2024 budget performance, revealing that the initial ₦358.7 billion budget was supplemented with an additional ₦61 billion, bringing the total to ₦419.7 billion. Of this, ₦403 billion was successfully spent, achieving a 94 percent budget implementation rate.
Recurrent expenditure stood at ₦162 billion, with ₦153.1 billion utilized, representing a 94 percent execution rate. Capital expenditure amounted to ₦217 billion, with an 84 percent implementation rate across key sectors such as administration, economy, law and justice, and social development.
Dr. Malumbe noted that the 2025 budget aligns with the 2025–2027 Medium-Term Strategic Framework, the 10-Year Transformation Initiative, and the Five-Year Development Plan. These frameworks focus on infrastructure rehabilitation, economic recovery, job creation, agro-industrial growth, digital economy expansion, improved healthcare, and urban development.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by security concerns, economic disruptions, and natural disasters, the Commissioner recalled the devastating September 9, 2024, flood that claimed lives and disrupted businesses, homes, and critical infrastructure. Despite these setbacks, he assured that the government remains committed to rebuilding, restoring, and transforming the state.
A key priority of the 2025 budget is the safe return and reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Nigeria and in neighboring countries. The government aims to foster peace, stability, and economic recovery by supporting displaced communities.
Dr. Malumbe reported an improvement in budget performance, rising from 74 percent in 2024 to 78 percent in 2025. He expressed optimism that efficiency and impact would further increase in 2026 and beyond.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to community rebuilding, citizen empowerment, and transformative projects. He emphasized that collaboration, transparency, and accountability will remain central to governance.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, commended Governor Zulum for delivering people-oriented projects and acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders in achieving the state’s developmental goals.
The budget defence jas been attended by top government functionaries civil servants among others.
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