By SADIQ ABUBAKAR , Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has called on stakeholders across Borno State to take an active role in shaping the state’s 2026 budget, emphasizing the importance of public participation in charting a sustainable path for growth and self-reliance.
The appeal came during the 8th Borno State Town Hall Meeting on the 2026 Budget, organized by the Ministry of Budget and Planning, held on Tuesday at the Musa Usman International Conference Hall in Maiduguri.
The meeting, themed “ _From Recovery to Prosperity – Accelerating Sustainable Growth and Building a Self-Reliant Borno,”_ sought to collect public input from diverse sectors of society.
Representing Governor Zulum, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, commended the ministry for fostering an inclusive approach to budget planning.
He described the initiative as a reflection of government’s resolve to ensure that both rural and urban communities have their voices heard in the budgeting process.
Zulum noted that this marks his sixth budget since assuming office in 2019—a period that has seen significant strides in welfare, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and poverty alleviation programs.
“As a people-oriented government, this may be the last budget of my administration, and it deserves to be all-inclusive and people-centered,” the governor stated, describing the 2026 proposal as a “budget of recovery and prosperity” tied to Borno’s 10-year strategic transformation plan.
He expressed gratitude to the State Assembly, civil servants, political leaders, traditional rulers, youth, women, and security personnel for their steadfast support and cooperation throughout his tenure.
*Commissioner highlights shift from recovery to growth*
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Mallumbe, welcomed participants while lauding the governor’s vision and the commitment of ministry staff.
“It is with immense gratitude and profound optimism that I welcome you all to this crucial 2026 Budget Town Hall Meeting,” he said.
Speaking on the theme, Mallumbe emphasized that “‘From Recovery to Prosperity’ is not just a catchy slogan; it is the definitive roadmap for our state’s next chapter.”
He praised Governor Zulum’s leadership for rebuilding homes, resettling communities, and restoring governance in previously affected areas.
“We mourned our losses and invested resources in healing. But a new day has dawned. We are no longer defined solely by our challenges; we are now defined by our ambition for lasting prosperity,” Mallumbe said.
He explained that the 2026 budget would mark a “strategic shift from stabilizing the foundations to accelerating growth,” underscoring that recovery is finite.
“To ensure the gains we have made are irreversible, we must transition to a model of sustainable growth,” he noted.
According to him, the focus now is to build an economy powered by the productivity of Borno’s people rather than dependence on humanitarian aid or fluctuating federal allocations.
“The 2026 budget will be designed around the pillars of the 25-year Development Plan to achieve self-reliance and sustainable development,” he added.
Mallumbe stressed that true sustainability lies in investing in human capital. “
Our people are our greatest asset,” he said, outlining key priorities such as teacher training, science laboratory upgrades, scholarships, healthcare access, and economic diversification through commercial agriculture and modern irrigation.
He emphasized that “Building a self-reliant Borno is a contract between the government and its citizens.”
While calling for efficiency and accountability within the civil service, he urged citizens to actively participate in monitoring projects and paying taxes to boost internally generated revenue (IGR).
“The 2026 budget is our declaration that we will not just manage scarcity but create abundance. We will not just receive help, but become a regional beacon of economic strength,” he concluded.
*Stakeholders present demands and commendations*
Representatives from various sectors commended the initiative and submitted their proposals to guide the upcoming budget.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by State Secretary Comrade Musa, applauded the government’s commitment to settling arrears, pensions, and gratuities.
He presented the union’s requests for payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, and full implementation of the national minimum wage for teachers, local government workers, and retirees yet to receive their benefits.
The Borno State Network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), represented by Mrs. Eugene, promised to compile and submit a detailed report of their collective demands to the budget committee.
The Women’s Group, led by Hajiya Hassana Suleiman and Mrs. Lucy E., the Special Adviser on Women Affairs, called for continuous government support for women affected by insurgency and stronger action against gender-based violence and child abuse. They also highlighted the need for rehabilitation centers for women struggling with drug addiction and abuse.
In their submission, the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD), represented by Hassan Ibrahim, expressed appreciation for being recognized in government activities. He appealed for the establishment of specialized schools and vocational centers to enhance inclusion and empowerment.
The Borno Farmers Group, represented by Dr. Mohammed Zarami, thanked the state government for its support in agriculture through input distribution, subsidies, and provision of machinery. The group, however, requested the creation of large-scale local and international markets and better protection of farmlands from insurgent attacks.
Mohammed Maman Shuwa, representing Road Transport Workers, called for the establishment of designated truck parks in Njimtilo, Baga, Mari, and other areas to reduce road congestion and prevent accidents caused by indiscriminate parking.
The town hall meeting, which drew representatives from labor unions, civil society, youth groups, women associations, and professional bodies, concluded with a shared commitment to build a stronger, self-reliant Borno.
With collective ownership and accountability, the 2026 budget aims to mark a turning point—from rebuilding after insurgency to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
