Security, humanitarian needs consumed 70% of Borno budget in seven years – Zulum

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum revealed on Thursday that security and humanitarian needs have consumed about 70 percent of the state's budget over the past seven years. Speaking at a meeting in Maiduguri, Zulum explained that expenditures on internally displaced persons, refugees, reconstruction, and livelihood support made up a significant portion of the state's spending.

The governor attributed this high spending to the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency and the need to rebuild communities affected by the conflict. Under his administration, investments were made in rebuilding schools, houses, health facilities, and markets, along with creating livelihood opportunities for those impacted by the insurgency.

Zulum expressed gratitude to UN agencies, development partners, and donors for assisting Borno in transitioning from emergency humanitarian assistance to recovery, reconstruction, and sustainable development. He urged development partners to focus on long-term programs that integrate peace-building with economic development, emphasizing that lasting peace hinges on employment, education, livelihoods, robust institutions, and opportunities for young people.

Zulum also advocated for improved coordination among development partners to direct resources to communities with the most pressing needs. Minister of Budget and National Planning Abubakar Bagudu highlighted the need for continued international support to tackle Nigeria's humanitarian and development challenges, advocating for development assistance that prioritizes education, healthcare, human capital development, climate resilience, and economic growth.