Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State on Monday presented a N899.33 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with the education sector receiving the highest allocation of N135 billion.
The budget, titled “Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth,” earmarks over 61 per cent of total expenditure for capital projects, while recurrent spending accounts for about 39 per cent.
Zulum explained that the proposal consists of N353.77 billion for recurrent expenditure and N536.56 billion for capital development, underscoring his administration’s focus on infrastructure expansion and long-term post-insurgency recovery.
Presenting the proposal to lawmakers, the governor said the 2026 budget was designed to build on ongoing efforts to rebuild communities, strengthen the economy and enhance security across the state.
He described the budget as a clear demonstration of his administration’s resolve to sustain recovery and promote growth, noting that it aims to restore livelihoods, rebuild critical infrastructure and improve the welfare of residents.
Sectoral allocations showed that education received the largest share with N135.43 billion, which will be used for the construction and rehabilitation of schools, recruitment of teachers and the implementation of scholarship programmes.
The works and housing sector was allocated N94.27 billion to fund the construction of roads, bridges and housing projects in both urban and rural areas. The health sector received N66.41 billion for the completion and equipping of hospitals as well as the procurement of essential drugs.
Other key sectors benefiting from the capital vote include the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement with N58.71 billion to facilitate the resettlement of internally displaced persons, agriculture with N44.95 billion to enhance food security, and water resources with N21.35 billion.
Funding was also provided for the Ministry of Information and Internal Security to strengthen security and public communication initiatives.
On the revenue side, the governor projected N317.69 billion from the Federation Account, N44.30 billion from internally generated revenue, and N417.23 billion from capital receipts, including grants, aid and the Capital Development Fund.
Responding, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, assured the governor that the legislature would subject the budget proposal to prompt and thorough scrutiny to ensure it aligns with the state’s development priorities before its passage.