BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, JANUARY 13, 2026 | 02:33 PM
The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, has defended the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal before the Borno State House of Assembly.
He appeared before the House Committee on Information and Internal Security on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The committee is chaired by Honourable Bukar Modu, who represents Konduga State Constituency.
Prof. Tar described the budget defense as a vital democratic process that promotes transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
He explained that the Ministry of Information and Internal Security was reconstituted in August 2023 by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum with an expanded mandate.
According to him, the ministry now coordinates internal security, community safety structures, and public information management.
Tar said the expanded role has positioned the ministry as a key pillar in Borno State’s peace building and post-conflict recovery framework.
Reviewing the 2025 budget performance, the commissioner disclosed that the ministry received N10.1 billion.
He said the allocation included N8.27 billion for capital expenditure and N1.82 billion for recurrent expenditure.
The commissioner reported a performance level of about 70 percent, attributing it to prudent resource management and institutional collaboration.
On internal security, he said the ministry continued to provide logistical and operational support to the Armed Forces, Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and vigilante groups.
He added that displaced persons across the state received sustained assistance, while resettlement and reintegration were implemented in communities including Abadam and Gwoza.
Prof. Tar disclosed that heavy-duty equipment, security vehicles, motorcycles, and surveillance gadgets were procured to support community clearance and resettlement.
He said a Joint Command and Control Centre was established at the Borno State Police Command Headquarters to strengthen inter-agency coordination.
The commissioner said training and welfare support were expanded for 952 CJTF operatives and 140 hunters.
He added that the ministry also supported fire rescue operations and refurbished fire trucks donated to Kashim Ibrahim University and the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport.
In the information sector, Prof. Tar said broadcast equipment was procured to restore the Borno Radio Television Corporation after the 2024 flood disaster.
He said the BRTV transmitter was overhauled, staff arrears were cleared, and satellite broadcasting obligations were settled.
The commissioner also revealed that the Borno State Printing Press was renovated and is awaiting commissioning.
Presenting the 2026 budget proposal, he disclosed that ₦56.88 billion has been allocated to the ministry and its agencies.
He said the allocation covers the State Security Trust Fund, BRTV, and the Borno State Council for Arts and Culture.
Under the Security Trust Fund, prof Tar said proposed projects include a Rapid Response Squad headquarters, a command center, a CJTF barracks, and operational vehicles.
He said BRTV projects include the construction of a training college, establishment of FM stations in Chibok and Gwoza, and upgrades in Biu, Damasak, Monguno, and Dikwa.
Prof. Tar said the Council for Arts and Culture will benefit from cultural center construction, museum restoration, and participation in national festivals.
He concluded that the proposals reflect Gov. Zulum’s commitment to peace, security, cultural preservation, and good governance.
Earlier, committee chairman Bukar Modu said the budget defense is a constitutional duty rooted in legislative oversight.
He assured the ministry of fair assessment and emphasized the importance of accountability and value for public funds.
Prof. Tar was accompanied by senior officials of the ministry and heads of its agencies.