By Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the immediate commencement of direct payment of monthly statutory allocations into the accounts of the state’s 27 local government councils.
The Acting Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, disclosed this on Thursday in Maiduguri while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected local government council chairpersons.
Dr. Kadafur said the decision was in strict compliance with the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s December 2025 directive urging governors to guarantee financial independence for local councils.
According to him, the policy is aimed at empowering local government chairmen through unhindered access to funds, while strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots.
“You are expected to be accessible to your people. His Excellency, Governor Zulum, is fully committed to the development of Borno State, and we are counting on you at the grassroots to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of every naira allocated to your councils,” Kadafur said.
He stressed that Borno State was leading by example by ensuring direct disbursement of funds to local governments, adding that bureaucratic delays in accessing council allocations had been eliminated.
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“We will continue to publicly disclose all allocations released to local government councils as part of our transparency drive. You will be held accountable for every resource received on behalf of the people,” he added.
The acting governor further charged the chairpersons to prioritise the welfare of local government workers, particularly the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements.
“You must be good stewards of public funds, implementing projects and programmes in line with the pillars of our 10-year development strategy. Focus strictly on projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people.
“Security, dignity, and welfare of our citizens must remain paramount. There will be no room for vanity projects. Timely payment of salaries is non-negotiable, and productivity and discipline must be restored at all levels,” he said.
Reports have gathered that the ceremony was attended by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North); Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central); the state APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba; former Deputy Governors Ali Jatau and Usman Durkwa, among other dignitaries.
