Babagana Zulum
Olamilekan Abayomi
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the direct payment of monthly statutory allocations to the accounts of the state’s 27 local government areas. This move is aimed at deepening financial transparency and empowering local government chairmen to manage their funds effectively.
The directive, announced by Acting Governor Alhaji Dr Umar Usman Kadafur, follows strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s judgment and President Tinubu’s December 2025 call to state governors to ensure financial independence for councils. Kadafur emphasized that this policy will eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure direct accountability at the grassroots level.
Governor Zulum’s administration is committed to strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots level. By giving local government chairmen direct access to their funds, the governor aims to promote transparency and accountability in governance. The state government will continue to publish allocations disbursed to local governments as part of its transparency framework.
The local government chairmen are expected to focus on essential projects that improve the lives of citizens, prioritize staff welfare, and ensure timely payment of salaries. The acting governor warned against wasteful spending and emphasized the need for discipline and productivity within the local government system.
This move is seen as a significant step towards granting autonomy to local governments in Borno State. By empowering local government chairmen, Governor Zulum aims to bring development closer to the people and improve the overall quality of life in the state.
The approval of direct payment of monthly allocations to local governments is a testament to Governor Zulum’s commitment to good governance and transparency. It is expected to boost the morale of local government officials and enhance service delivery to citizens.
