Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has announced plans to allocate N12.5 billion in 2025 for mass transit projects and improving road safety across the state.
Zulum made this disclosure on Monday while presenting the 2025 appropriation bill, titled “Budget of Recovery and Continuity”, to the State Assembly.
The governor revealed that his administration plans to introduce a new fleet of buses for intra-city and inter-city transportation to tackle mobility challenges. He noted, “In partnership with private stakeholders, the state will introduce traffic management systems, including the installation of road signage, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings in major towns.”
Additionally, Zulum prioritized the rehabilitation of damaged highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damaturu road, to ensure safer travel across the state.
The governor allocated N8 billion to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in the 2025 budget. This funding will focus on promoting youth empowerment and sports initiatives, including rehabilitating the El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium and constructing sports centers in Biu, Gwoza, and Maiduguri.
According to Zulum, “The ministry will also organise sports tournaments to engage youths and discover talents across the state.” He emphasized that these efforts aim to reduce unemployment by channeling youth energy into productive opportunities.
Further, the administration has allocated N15.8 billion to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to support social welfare and community development. This fund will complete the construction of 100,000 housing units for internally displaced persons in Monguno, Konduga, and Ngala.
The ministry will also implement skills acquisition programs, focusing on tailoring, soap making, and other vocational training, targeting over 20,000 women and youths. Additionally, starter packs and cash grants will be distributed to widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups to foster self-reliance.
Zulum assured that no community would be left behind in his administration’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The initiatives underscore Borno State’s commitment to addressing infrastructure, youth unemployment, social welfare, and displacement challenges.