Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has authorised the immediate disbursement of monthly statutory allocations directly to the 27 local government councils in the state.
The approval was announced on Thursday by the Acting Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, following the swearing-in of newly elected local government chairmen in Maiduguri.
Kadafur explained that the decision was taken in line with the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy and President Bola Tinubu’s directive issued in December 2025, calling on state governments to comply with constitutional provisions.
He said the move is intended to strengthen grassroots governance by eliminating delays associated with fund approvals and ensuring councils have direct access to resources for development.
According to him, Governor Zulum’s administration remains committed to transparency and accountability.
He noted that the state will continue to publicly disclose allocations made to local governments to promote responsible use of public funds.
The Acting Governor charged the council chairmen to prioritise service delivery and remain accountable to their constituents, stressing that every fund received must be used judiciously for the benefit of the people.
He also warned against wasteful spending, urging the chairmen to focus on projects that directly improve livelihoods, security and social welfare at the community level.
Kadafur further directed the council leaders to ensure prompt payment of salaries and entitlements of local government workers, describing staff welfare as a critical factor in restoring productivity and discipline across councils.
The event attracted several prominent political figures, including the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; the Borno State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bello Ayuba; and former Deputy Governors Ali Abubakar Jata’Au and Usman Mamman Durkwa.
Other dignitaries present were the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Engr. Satomi Ahmad; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, represented by the House Leader, Dige Mohammed; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service, Dr. Amini Muhammad Ghuluze; alongside senior government officials and party leaders.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
