Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the immediate commencement of direct payment of monthly statutory allocations to the accounts of the state’s 27 local government councils.

The acting governor, Umar Kadafur, announced the approval on Thursday in Maiduguri after presiding over the swearing-in of the newly elected council chairpersons.

Mr Kadafur said the directive followed strict adherence to the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy and President Bola Tinubu’s December 2025 call on governors to ensure financial independence for local government councils.

He said the measure was designed to empower council chairmen by giving them direct access to their funds and strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots.

“You should be accessible to your people. Our governor is dedicated to developing the state. We are looking up to you at the grassroots to ensure transparency and accountability for every naira and kobo you receive,” Mr Kadafur said.

He added that Borno was setting the pace by ensuring councils receive their allocations directly, stressing that the era of bureaucratic delays in fund approvals was over.

“We will continue to publish whatever is given to local government areas as part of our transparency drive, so you will be held accountable for every resource collected on behalf of the people,” he said.

The acting governor also charged the chairpersons to prioritise the welfare of local government staff and ensure prompt payment of salaries and entitlements.

“You must be guardians of every naira, running every project and programme with the pillars of our 10-year strategy. Focus on essentials that directly improve lives.

“Furthermore, pay attention to the security and dignity of our people. There will be no more vanity projects. Timely payment of salaries is non-negotiable, and productivity and discipline must be restored,” he explained.

(NAN)