Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has disclosed the enormous financial burden his administration has borne in the fight against insecurity, revealing that about ₦100bn has been spent this year alone to bolster security across the state and protect residents from the persistent threats posed by insurgents and criminal networks.
The governor made the revelation on Thursday, December 4, during a visit to the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Mamza, at his palace in Uba town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area. The visit was aimed at assessing the current security situation and discussing measures to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Zulum explained that ongoing insecurity has significantly affected developmental projects, particularly road construction, as contractors have been reluctant to work in areas deemed unsafe. “Security is important; without it, there would be no peace. I have plans to construct roads, but no contractor will want to come down and work here. That’s why I’m establishing a quarry site in Gwoza and purchasing 100 trucks so that our road maintenance agency can construct roads,” he said, emphasizing the link between security and economic development.
The governor further lamented that the ₦100bn spent on security could have otherwise been invested in other critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and general infrastructure, underlining the heavy cost of insecurity on the state’s overall development. “If peace had been fully restored, we could have channelled these resources into building schools, improving hospitals, and funding other vital development projects,” he added.
Zulum assured residents that road construction projects would begin soon, alongside new initiatives to establish higher education institutions, computer centres, and other educational facilities aimed at empowering youth and boosting local development.
In response, the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Mamza, commended the governor for his dedication and resilience in pursuing development projects despite the ongoing security challenges. “You’ve done a lot for us with many projects. If not for you, we would be suffering. We will continue to pray for lasting peace in Borno and the entire country,” the Emir said, acknowledging the governor’s efforts to balance security needs with developmental goals.
Zulum’s disclosure underscores the substantial financial and administrative strain insecurity places on Borno State, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by the government in fostering development while simultaneously maintaining peace and security for its residents. The revelation also emphasizes the importance of continued efforts towards achieving lasting peace, which would allow resources to be redirected toward comprehensive socio-economic development across the state.
The visit further reinforced the partnership between the state government and traditional institutions, with discussions focusing on collaborative approaches to enhancing security, promoting community development, and ensuring that citizens can live safely and productively within their communities.
Overall, the governor’s statement reflects both the heavy economic toll of insecurity and the administration’s commitment to creating an environment where developmental projects can thrive, ultimately paving the way for sustainable growth and stability in Borno State.