The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, has said the N31 billion increase in the 2025 estimate will address gaps in key sectors.

On December 9, Governor Babagana Zulum presented a N584.76 billion proposed budget to the state House of Assembly.

However, the legislators approved a N615,857 billion budget with an increase of over N31 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.

Mr Lawan, who gave the clarifications on Tuesday in Maiduguri, said the increase was based on recommendations during budget defence sessions involving ministries, departments and agencies.

“The increase followed a thorough review by the House Committee on Appropriation in collaboration with other standing committees. It became necessary to allocate additional funds to critical areas that were overlooked in the initial budget proposal,” he said.

He said the Ministry of Health received an additional N7 billion to improve healthcare service delivery, to equip the newly constructed Borno State Teaching Hospital and operationalise the newly built health centres in the local government areas.

According to Mr Lawan, healthcare is a top priority of the government, hence additional funds will ensure that the teaching hospital is fully equipped and operational while services will be enhanced at health centers established in 2024.

He said the allocation of N5 billion to the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Youth Development would tackle poverty exacerbated by years of insecurity in the state.

“Borno State has faced severe poverty challenges due to insecurity. The increased allocation will support programmes aimed at creating sustainable livelihood and empowering citizens, especially the youth,” he said.

He said the Security Trust Fund also got additional N5 billion to enhance its operations, while the office of the secretary to the state government and intergovernmental affairs also received a substantial amount of allocation.

He stated, “The Security Trust Fund supports logistics for the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and other security agencies. The funds will boost efforts to ensure peace and stability by providing vehicles, fuel and other operational needs.’’

The speaker lauded Mr Zulum for ensuring extensive investments in key sectors such as the construction of mega schools and the establishment of specialised institutions for children from conflict affected areas of the state.

“The governor built over 30 mega schools in each senatorial district, and established schools such as the Muhammadu Buhari Academy to cater for children displaced by insecurity in Borno North. Thousands of children now have access to quality education,” he said.

He said the state government sponsored over 200 students for advanced studies in China, India and other countries, to study engineering, computer science and public administration.

He noted that the initiatives reflected Mr Zulum’s commitment to securing a brighter future for the state through education and human capital development.

Reiterating the commitment of the legislators to support initiatives that promote development, Mr Lawan urged stakeholders to work collectively for the sustainable development of the state.

(NAN)