By Abdulkareem Haruna

In an impassioned address to the Borno State House of Assembly, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum unveiled the 2024 Appropriation Bill, presenting a comprehensive plan aimed at driving sustainable growth and development across sectors.

The proposed budget, which amounts to a total sum of N340,619,836,000.00, is a testament to Zulum’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of Borno State’s residents.

With an ambitious focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and security, Governor Zulum’s budget speech underscored the state government’s determination to rebuild and consolidate the gains made in recent years. He emphasized the need to enhance the standard of living, improve well-being, and create better livelihoods for the people of Borno State.

The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has been allocated a significant portion of the budget, with N39,435,468,000.00 earmarked for capital and recurrent expenditures. This allocation demonstrates the state government’s commitment to developing the educational sector by constructing new schools, providing teacher accommodations, and promoting vocational entrepreneurship.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services, allocated N51,124,004,000.00, will focus on renovating and rehabilitating hospitals, upgrading and expanding vertical wards, and constructing additional healthcare facilities. This investment illustrates the state government’s dedication to improving healthcare access and facilities for its citizens.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has been allocated N13,506,848,000.00 to support the agricultural sector, including the construction of earth dams, maintenance of rural feeder roads, and the procurement of farm implements. This allocation emphasizes the state government’s commitment to enhancing food security and boosting agricultural productivity.

Governor Zulum also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, with the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Infrastructural Development receiving a significant allocation of N51,324,327,000.00. The budget will fund road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects across the state, as well as the provision of housing for teachers and health workers.

In his speech, Governor Zulum expressed his gratitude to the people of Borno State for their trust and confidence in his leadership. He acknowledged the challenges facing the state, including the recent removal of fuel subsidies, and reiterated his government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the economic burden on the citizens.

Governor Zulum’s budget speech garnered praise from members of the House of Assembly for its comprehensive focus on key sectors and its commitment to improving the lives of the people of Borno State.

The Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly member, Abdulkarim Lawan, applauded the budget, stating, “This budget reflects the priorities of our people and addresses the pressing needs in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development.”

The performance and implementation of this budget will be closely monitored by The Humanitarian Times, the people and stakeholders in Borno State. If successfully executed, the proposed initiatives outlined in Governor Zulum’s budget speech have the potential to drive significant socio-economic growth and further consolidate the state’s path to recovery.