BY NEWS EDITOR
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a commitment to support victims of Boko Haram insurgency, allocating 15% of the state's annual budget.
The allocation will provide durable solutions to 5.5 million affected individuals.
According to him, the move is part of the state's strategy to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the insurgency.
The governor made this announcement at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum meeting, which was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Forum, themed "Rebuilding the Lake Chad: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community," brought together governors, traditional rulers, development organizations, and civil society groups.
'Our own strategy, spanning the years 2025-2027, is backed by a total budget of USD 2.7 billion, with Borno State committing 15% of its annual budget to the cause. This strategy targets the needs of approximately 5.5 million people, including 2 million IDPs, 500,000 refugees and 3 million other displaced individuals,' he said.
The governor explained that the durable solutions strategy is anchored on a government-led, people-centered approach, designed to align with existing national and regional policies.
'Projects like the Banki Market project and other related infrastructure have been completed and handed over to the communities, fostering a sense of ownership and providing vital economic opportunities,' he added.
Gov. Zulum also said that agricultural transformation is also a key pillar of the state's recovery strategy, with a focus on irrigation systems, resilient crop production, and support for smallholder farmers to ensure food security for the people.
The Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum meeting was attended by members of the national assembly, ministers, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, United Nations agencies, and international development organizations.