Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday presented a budget proposal of N890,331,686,000.00 for the 2026 fiscal year to the Borno State House of Assembly, with the education sector receiving the highest allocation of N135 billion.

The appropriation bill is tagged the “Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth” and places capital expenditure at over 61 per cent of the total estimate, while recurrent expenditure accounts for about 39 per cent.

Addressing members of the House of Assembly during the presentation, Zulum provided a breakdown of the budget, disclosing that total recurrent expenditure stands at N353,767,349,000.00, while capital expenditure is projected at N536,564,337,000.00.

The governor explained that the structure of the budget reflects his administration’s emphasis on long-term development and infrastructure renewal, which he described as critical for a state still recovering from years of insurgency.

“This budget stands as a testament to our steadfast dedication to fostering sustained recovery and growth, even in the face of challenges. It embodies our resolute pledge to rebuild our communities, restore economic vitality, and secure a safer and more prosperous future for every citizen,” Zulum said.

In outlining the sectoral allocations, the governor identified key ministries that received substantial portions of the capital expenditure to drive development across the state.

The education sector received the highest allocation with a combined total of N135,430,647,000.00, earmarked for the construction of new schools, rehabilitation of destroyed educational facilities, implementation of scholarship programmes and recruitment of teachers across the state.

The works and housing sector followed with an allocation of N94,270,541,000.00, which will be used to sustain the construction of urban and rural roads, build new bridges and execute major housing projects for residents and civil servants.

The health sector was allocated N66,408,136,000.00, expected to support the completion and equipping of ongoing hospital projects as well as the procurement of essential drugs across healthcare facilities.

Other sectors with notable allocations include the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, which received N58,710,006,000.00 to support the return of internally displaced persons to their rebuilt communities.

The Ministry of Information and Internal Security also received a significant allocation to consolidate gains recorded in 2025 and expand operations into new frontiers.

The agriculture sector was allocated N44,947,429,000.00 to enhance food security and provide support for farmers across the state.

The Ministry of Water Resources received N21,353,536,000.00 to improve access to potable water and expand water infrastructure.

On the revenue side, the governor projected total receipts of N317,688,140,000.00 from the Federation Account for the year.

He further projected Internally Generated Revenue of N44,300,801,000.00 for the 2026 fiscal year.

Estimated capital receipts for the year stand at N417,226,513,000.00, comprising aid, grants and the Capital Development Fund.

Responding on behalf of the legislature, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, assured the governor of a prompt and thorough consideration of the budget proposal.

Lawan pledged that the Assembly would subject the appropriation bill to detailed scrutiny to ensure it aligns with the developmental priorities and needs of Borno State before its eventual passage.