Borno state spent N100 billion funding security operations – Gov. Zulum

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, announced on Thursday that his administration has allocated approximately N100 billion this year toward funding security operations throughout the state.

The Governor made this disclosure during his visit to the palace of the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Mamza, in Uba town, located in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

Zulum further noted that the prevailing insecurity has severely hampered infrastructure development, specifically stating that the ongoing violence has stalled road projects in parts of southern Borno because contractors are hesitant to work in areas deemed high-risk.

“My visit is mainly to assess the security situation. Without security, there can be no progress. I have plans to construct roads, but no contractor wants to come and work here,” he said.The governor said the state was setting up a quarry in Gwoza and procuring 100 trucks to enable its road maintenance agency undertake some projects directly.“

“In this year alone, what I spent on security is about N100 billion. If there was peace, the money would have gone into development in education, health and other sectors,” he added.

Zulum said road construction and new educational facilities would begin once the security situation improves.

Responding, the Emir of Uba acknowledged the state government’s efforts, noting that some projects had been delivered despite the security challenges.