Kadafur Signs N892.4bn 2026 Budget Into Law

The Acting Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, has signed the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill of N892.4 billion into law following its passage by the State House of Assembly.

Governor Babagana Zulum had originally presented a budget estimate of N890.3 billion to lawmakers on December 29, 2025, but the Assembly later increased the figure by N2.37 billion after reviewing submissions from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Speaking during a brief signing ceremony held on Tuesday at the Government House in Maiduguri, Kadafur commended the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the budget, describing it as a step that promotes transparency and safeguards public interest.

He praised the Assembly for its diligence despite prevailing economic challenges and fiscal constraints, noting that the timely approval of the financial plan would support critical sectoral allocations capable of improving the lives of citizens.

Kadafur also applauded the legislature for passing the Local Government Amendment Law 2000, which extends the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors from two years to three years. According to him, the amendment is aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and enhancing service delivery.

The acting governor described the newly signed budget as the administration’s financial roadmap for 2026, assuring residents of prudence, accountability and value for money in the execution of projects and programmes during the fiscal year.

The event marked a historic moment in the state, as it was the first time an acting governor performed the constitutional duty of signing the budget into law, following Governor Zulum’s annual leave and the transfer of power to his deputy.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, explained that the budget increase was largely targeted at boosting allocations to the health and education sectors.

The total approved budget for 2026 now stands at N892.4 billion.