Action Health Incorporated (AHI) tackles challenges of access to healthcare services in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Action Health Incorporated (AHI), with support from the Nigeria Humantrain Fund (NHF), has addressed the difficulties in getting healthcare services by offering fair and comprehensive access to quality sexual reproductive health (SRH), nutrition, and support for gender-based violence (GBV) in the Damboa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.

The achieved target and challenges faced during the implementation of healthcare delivery were identified over the weekend at a closeout meeting of the Strength Project in Maiduguri.

Speaking on the inaccessible healthcare services, the AHI Coordinator, Dr Musa Williams, said: “There is limited access to secondary healthcare facilities in Damboa LGA, where residents could not have direct access to specialised medical service care, particularly among the vulnerable populations affected by insurgency.”

Williams added that the lack of blood banks also poses a significant risk to patients that require transfusions or other blood-related treatment.

Besides the lack of blood banks, the coordinator added that infrastructure deficits play a role in people with disabilities not having access to health facilities, as they do not have installed slabs, which daily restricts easy access for people with disabilities in the state.

Beyond accessing health facilities, the coordinator added: “The cultural malpractices of the traditional surgical removal of whitish cheek discolouration due to severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are also another challenge in accessing healthcare delivery services in the state.”

The Strength Project theme, “Strengthening Access to Integrated Healthcare Services for Vulnerable Populations in Damboa”, is dedicated to improving access to life-saving, integrated primary healthcare services for vulnerable populations by what he described as “strengthening the community health system and promoting preventive care”.

Williams stated that AHI has performed much higher than its initial targets on health facility services by 102%, while mobile healthcare services also hit 171 per cent.

According to him, even the skill deliveries in the council area rose by 72%.

Responding to the closeout event of AHI in the state, most of the participants demanded an extension of the Strength Project to other LGAs, despite its closure in Borno state, as cases of snake bites are on the rise in the Dikwa, Mobbar and Gwoza local council areas for intervention to save people’s lives.

Most of the women and children were provided with treated mosquito nets and antenatal and postnatal medications against malaria and other preventable diseases in the council area, devastated by the over-a-decade insurgency. While mothers and their newborns were given delivery kits. Essential drugs were also provided through medical mobile outreach in communities and hard-to-reach areas. We have provided essential drugs to three facilities and trained health care workers to support them.

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.

Zulum Launches Rayyan Microfinance Bank to Boost Ethical Financing in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has launched the Rayyan Microfinance Bank (RMFB), a digital and ethical-compliant financial institution designed to expand access to non-interest financing for residents of the state.

The unveiling ceremony took place on Sunday at Forshams’ Hall in Maiduguri, where the governor described the bank as a major step toward rebuilding livelihoods affected by years of insurgency.

Zulum noted that the bank’s model offers a wide range of financial solutions tailored to individuals, entrepreneurs, and organisations seeking non-interest loan schemes and other inclusive banking services.

“The Microfinance Bank is a critical tool for building resilience and fostering self-reliance among the people of Borno State,” he said.

He stressing that the institution will help revive businesses and provide a financial backbone for communities recovering from the 16-year Boko Haram conflict.

Beyond offering interest-free loans, RMFB is expected to promote financial inclusion through small credit schemes, savings platforms, and insurance options for low-income earners often excluded from traditional banking.

Zulum lamented the financial limitations faced by vulnerable groups, stating that many Nigerians still struggle to meet conditions set by conventional banks.

He also commended the management of Rayyan Microfinance Bank for what he described as visionary leadership, pledging full government support for the growth of ethical banking in the state.

“Under my leadership, government will partner with you to promote the ideals of non-interest banking, which are important to our economy,” he assured.

As a show of confidence, the governor directed the Borno State Ministry of Finance to immediately open an official account with the newly launched bank.

He further urged residents, cooperatives, traders and private enterprises to embrace RMFB’s services to grow their businesses, create jobs, and support the state’s broader economic recovery.

Banking experts at the event highlighted the rising prospects of ethical and non-interest finance in Nigeria, noting its potential to drive inclusive growth, support ethical investments and unlock new opportunities for small and medium businesses.