Borno State Acting Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, on Tuesday assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N892.4 billion and the amended Local Government Law, marking the first time an acting governor has performed the constitutional duty in the state’s history.
The assent, which took place at the Council Chamber of the Government House, followed the passage of the budget by the Borno State House of Assembly.
Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum had earlier presented a budget estimate of N890.3 billion to the Assembly on Dec. 29, 2025, for the 2026 fiscal year, before it was reviewed upward by lawmakers.
Kadafur commended the Assembly for what he described as a transparent and expeditious legislative process, noting that the occasion signified the state government’s financial roadmap for 2026.
“I wish to appreciate the meticulous, diligent and sustained efforts of the House, especially in view of prevailing economic realities and fiscal pressures,” he said.
The acting governor also praised the timely passage of the appropriation bill and the Local Government Amendment Law 2000, which extends the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors from two to three years to strengthen grassroots governance and service delivery.
He assured the legislature and residents of the state of the administration’s commitment to prudent budget implementation, accountability and value for money.
Explaining the upward review, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, said the budget was adjusted after submissions from ministries, departments and agencies.
According to him, the budget size was increased by N2.37 billion, bringing the total to N892.4 billion, with additional allocations made to the health and education sectors.
Lawan said N1.774 billion was approved for the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), while the College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri, received an additional N400 million, in recognition of the importance of the sectors and the need to support vulnerable groups.
The event was attended by the APC state chairman, Head of Service, acting Chief of Staff, commissioners, special advisers and other government officials.
