Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno signed the 2025 budget of N615.857 billion into law on Monday, with an upward adjustment of N31.1 billion.

Mr Zulum signed the budget shortly after the State House of Assembly speaker, Abdulkarim Lawan, presented the revised bill to him in Maiduguri.

The governor had, on December 9, 2024, presented a N584.76 billion bill that was tagged the “Budget of Recovery and Continuity.”

Mr Zulum commended the legislators for their timely approval and called on the heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and members of the executive council to strictly adhere to the budget provisions in their operations.

“We have to commend the leadership and members of the House of Assembly for their maturity and support,” said Mr Zulum. “All the developmental strides we have achieved could not have been possible without their cooperation.”

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the promises made during his 2023 election campaign.

Earlier, Mr Lawan praised Mr Zulum for his administration’s achievements over the past six years, noting that the upward review of the budget was necessary to address critical areas affecting the people’s well-being.

Meanwhile, Mr Zulum presided over the maiden executive council meeting of the year immediately after signing the budget.

The governor thanked his deputy, Umar Kadafur, the secretary to the state government, Bukar Tijjani, heads of MDAs, and the media for their contributions to the administration toward uplifting the people’s lives.

He also announced the appointment of Mustapha Mallumbe, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, as deputy chief of staff.

Mr Mallumbe’s appointment was sequel to the vacuum created by the absence of the chief of staff, Hussaini Marte, who is currently recuperating.

(NAN)