While most governors are dragging their feet, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the immediate commencement of direct monthly statutory allocation payments to the accounts of the state’s 27 local government areas (LGAs).
The announcement was made by Acting Governor Umar Kadafur following the inauguration of newly-elected council chairmen in Maiduguri two days ago.
However, this is coming more than 18 months since the Nigerian Supreme Court ruled on 11 July 2024, that federation account allocations must be paid directly to local government councils.
Underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy, Kadafur explained that the move complies with the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment and President Bola Tinubu’s December 2025 directive to state governors.
Acting Governor Kadafur highlighted the significance of the decision, noting that Borno is taking a lead role in financial autonomy.
“Borno is the only state where local governments will now receive their allocations directly,” Kadafur stated, remarking that this is a testament to Governor Babagana Zulum’s transparency.
He added that the governor “believes in the local government administrative process, which is why he approved these direct payments—so you can get to work. The era of blaming bureaucracy for funding delays is over.”
The Acting Governor emphasised that the state government would continue to publish allocation figures to ensure public oversight. “You will be held accountable for every resource collected on behalf of the people,” he warned the chairmen. “You must remain accessible to your constituents.”
Kadafur charged the new officials to prioritise human capital and essential services over “vanity projects,” outlining several non-negotiable mandates:
financial discipline: every naira and kobo must be accounted for in line with the state’s 10-year development strategy.
On staff welfare, he directed that timely payment of salaries and entitlements for local government staff is mandatory.
On productivity, he urged the chairmen to ensure that all workers report to their duty posts promptly to restore discipline and productivity.
Officials, Kadafur directed are expected to focus heavily on the security and dignity of their local communities.
Borno State has witnessed more terrorist attacks than any other in the country, with Governor Zulum surviving at least one assassination attempt.
