Kadafur Signs First-Ever Acting Governor Budget as Borno Approves N892.4bn for 2026

Kadafur Signs First-Ever Acting Governor Budget as Borno Approves N892.4bn for 2026

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State has officially sealed its 2026 fiscal roadmap after Acting Governor Umar Kadafur signed into law an N892.4 billion appropriation bill passed by the State House of Assembly.

Governor Babagana Zulum had earlier presented an N890.3 billion estimate to lawmakers on December 29, 2025. The Assembly then added N2.37 billion following budget defences by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), pushing the total to N892.4 billion.

At a brief ceremony on Tuesday inside Government House, Maiduguri, Kadafur praised the swift legislative process, describing it as a reflection of accountability and public-interest governance.

“Your quick passage of this budget has ensured transparency and public interest in the critical sectoral allocations that could impact on people’s lives,” he said.

He commended lawmakers for what he called “meticulous, diligent and sustained efforts” despite tough economic conditions facing the state and the country.

The Acting Governor also acknowledged the timely approval of the Local Government Amendment Law 2000, which extends the tenure of council chairmen and councillors from two to three years—an adjustment he said would strengthen grassroots governance and improve service delivery.

Kadafur stressed that the budget signing marked an important financial direction for the year.

“This demonstrates a shared sense of responsibility and a clear understanding of the urgency of providing a sound financial framework for governance,” he said, assuring prudent management and value for money in all government projects and programs.

Beyond its fiscal impact, Tuesday’s event entered the state’s political history as the first time an acting governor would sign an annual budget into law. The development followed Zulum’s annual leave and constitutional transmission of power to his deputy.

Speaker of the House, Abdulkarim Lawan, said the Assembly adjusted the initial proposal after reviewing submissions from MDAs.

“The budget increased by N2.37 billion, translating to a total sum of N892.4 billion,” he confirmed, noting that the additions were directed mainly to the health and education sectors.

The 2026 budget is expected to guide Borno’s development priorities in a period marked by post-conflict reconstruction, economic strain, and growing demands for social services across the state.