…Want military to establish Brigade in Guzamala Council to fasttrack return of IDPs
By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
THE Speaker Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA), Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan has explained the rationale behind the N31.1 billion increase in the 2025 budget approved by the Assembly, noting that it was aimed at addressing critical gaps in key sectors.
This is as the Speaker who hails from Guzamala local government area in an interview with Journalists lamented severally over the inability of the military to restore civil authority in Guzamala and Abadam local government areas.
He insisted that there is the need for the federal government and the military authority to establish a Brigade in Guzamala which is still under the control of Boko Haram to fast-track return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have so far spent over 10 years taking refuge in Niger and Chad Republic, while others are still living in host communities of Gajiram, Monguno and Maiduguri.
Recall that Governor Babagana Zulum had on December 9, 2024, presented N584.76 billion appropriation bill which was tagged the “Budget of Recovery and Continuity.”
Zulum on Monday 6th January signed the 2025 budget of N615.857 billion into law with an upward adjustment of N31.1 billion after the Speaker led other Principal Staff of the Assembly to present the Budget which has undergone critical scrutiny by the appropriate authorities.
Buttressing his point, Lawan said the increment was based on recommendations made during budget defense sessions involving various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in collaboration with ministry of Budget and Planning.
“The increase followed a thorough review by the Assembly’s Appropriation Committee in collaboration with other standing committees. It became necessary to allocate additional funds to critical areas that were overlooked in the initial budget proposal,” Lawan said.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Health received an additional N7 billion to improve healthcare delivery in the state, particularly to equip the newly constructed Borno State Teaching Hospital and operationalize newly built health centers across local government areas.
“Healthcare is a top priority for the government. The additional funds will ensure the teaching hospital is fully equipped and operational while enhancing services at new health centers established in 2024,” he said.
The Speaker said that the allocation of N5 billion to the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Youth Development became paramount inview of the economic challenges, stressing that the funds were critical for tackling poverty exacerbated by years of insecurity in the state.
“Borno State has faced severe poverty challenges due to insecurity. The increased allocation will support programs aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering citizens, especially youth,” he said.
Lawan noted that the Security Trust Fund, which plays a pivotal role in addressing the state’s insecurity, received an additional N5 billion to enhance its operations while the SSG’s office and Intergovernmental Affairs also received substantive amount of allocation.
“The Security Trust Fund supports logistics for the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilantes, and other security agencies. The funds will boost efforts to ensure peace and stability by providing vehicles, fuel, and other operational needs,” he added.
Lawan commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his extensive investments in the sector, noting the construction of mega schools across the state and the establishment of specialized institutions for children from conflict-affected areas like Borno North.
“The governor built over four mega schools in each senatorial district and established schools like the Muhammadu Buhari Academy to cater for children displaced by insecurity in Borno North. Thousands of children now have access to quality education,” Lawan said.
He further revealed that over 200 students from Borno were sponsored for advanced studies abroad in fields such as engineering, computer science, and public administration in countries like China and India.
“These initiatives reflect the governor’s commitment to securing a brighter future for the state through education and human capital development,” the Speaker said.
Lawan assured citizens that the Assembly remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote development and urged all stakeholders to work collectively toward the progress of the state.
On the security challenges where Guzamala local government area remained inaccessible due to Boko Haram control, the Speake said: “Let me use this opportunity to call on the federal government and the Nigerian Military to immediately establish a Brigade in Guzamala, as this is the only way that can fast-track return of IDPs back to their ancestral homes.
“Let me commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his efforts which led to resettlement of Mairari people back to their homes. Unfortunately, Mairari as we speak is now deserted because the insurgents succeeded in dislodging the few policemen, civil defence and over 100 Vigilantes hitherto deployed to safeguard the community due to lack of firepower, arms and ammunition to confront the terrorists hibernating in the area”. Lawan said
