BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 29, 2025 | 08:04 PM
Women and children in Borno State are set to benefit from expanded access to healthcare services following the allocation of N66.4 billion to the health sector in the proposed 2026 budget.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum presented the N890.33 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly on Monday, prioritizing social services critical to post-conflict recovery.
The budget, tagged the ‘Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth,’ comes at a time when maternal health challenges, child malnutrition, and limited access to functional hospitals remain major concerns in conflict-affected communities.
Zulum said the health allocation will be used to complete and equip ongoing hospital projects across the state and ensure the steady procurement of essential drugs, with a focus on mothers and children.
The planned investments are expected to improve maternal and child healthcare delivery, reduce preventable deaths, and strengthen primary and secondary health facilities serving vulnerable populations.
The governor explained that the overall budget places over 61 percent on capital expenditure to rebuild infrastructure damaged by insurgency, while recurrent spending accounts for about 39 percent.
He announced a total recurrent expenditure of N353.77 billion and a capital expenditure of N536.56 billion, describing the structure as necessary for long-term recovery.
Education received the highest single-sector allocation of N135.43 billion, which Zulum said will support school construction, rehabilitation, scholarships, and teacher recruitment to secure the future of children across the state.
He added that strong investment in education and health remains central to protecting children from the long-term effects of conflict and poverty.
Other key allocations include N94.27 billion for works and housing, N58.71 billion for the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, N44.95 billion for agriculture, and N21.35 billion for water resources.
Zulum projected total revenue of N317.69 billion from the Federation Account, N44.3 billion from Internally Generated Revenue, and N417.23 billion from capital receipts, including grants and aid.
‘This budget embodies our pledge to rebuild our communities, restore economic vitality, and secure a safer and more prosperous future for every citizen,’ Zulum told the lawmakers.
Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan assured the governor that the House of Assembly would conduct a detailed and timely review of the proposal to ensure it meets the developmental needs of the state before passage.