Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has revealed the staggering economic toll of the security crisis in his state, disclosing that his administration has spent approximately N100 billion this year alone fighting insurgency and improving security infrastructure.
The Governor lamented that this huge expenditure is directly impeding developmental goals, particularly critical infrastructure projects like road construction.
Governor Zulum made the disclosure on Thursday while paying a royal homage to the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Mamza, at his palace in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. The Governor stated his visit was specifically aimed at assessing the security situation in the area.
Development Held Hostage
Governor Zulum expressed frustration that the persistent insecurity had forced contractors to abandon key projects.
“My visit is to do a lot of work and, most especially, assess the security situation… I have plans to construct roads, but the problem is no contractor will want to come down and work here,” the Governor noted.
He justified the necessity of the high security spend while highlighting its opportunity cost:
“In this year, what I spent on security is about N100bn. If there is peace, why wouldn’t I use it to do some developmental projects? We have many plans for education, health and more. The truth is that we are spending a lot on security and putting structures on the ground.”
To circumvent the contractors’ abandonment, the Governor announced plans to establish a quarry site in Gwoza and purchase 100 trucks, allowing the state’s road maintenance agency to take over construction.
Recent Security Successes
The Governor’s visit to Askira/Uba LGA comes shortly after a successful rescue operation in the same region. Hobnob News can confirm details from the Nigerian Army’s official statement that 12 teenagers, who were abducted from their family farmlands, regained their freedom.
The victims, including Fatima Shaibu (17), Hauwa Abubakar (18), and Zainab Musa (18), were freed on Saturday, November 29, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis.
Emir Commends Efforts
Responding to the Governor, the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Mamza, acknowledged that the administration’s efforts have been felt despite the overwhelming 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 assured.
Governor Zulum, in turn, promised the people that road construction, along with the establishment of higher education institutions and computer centers, would commence in the near future once the security environment stabilizes.
