Gov. Zulum to spend N12.5bn on mass transit, others in 2025

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, on Monday, announced plans to spend N12.5 billion in 2025 on mass transit related projects and improvement of road safety.

Governor Zulum, presenting the 2025 appropriation bill tagged “Budget of Recovery and Continuity” before the State Assembly, said that his administration is planning to launch a new fleet of buses for intra-city and inter-city transport services to ease mobility challenges.

“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,” he said

Zulum also said that rehabilitation of damaged highways, the Maiduguri-Damaturu road, would be prioritised to ensure safer travel across the state.

He said that the state government had allocated N8bn to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in the 2025 appropriation in order to promote youth empowerment and sporting activities.

The governor said that the funds would be used to rehabilitate the El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium and construct sports centres in Biu, Gwoza and Maiduguri.

“The ministry will also organise sports tournaments to engage youths and discover talents across the state,” Zulum said.

He said that the initiatives would help channel youth energy into productive activities and reduce unemployment.

“Empowering our youth through sports and entrepreneurship is a key pillar of our recovery strategy.

“In line with efforts to enhance social welfare and community development, the Borno State Government has allocated N15.8 billion to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

“The funds will be used to complete the ongoing construction of 100,000 housing units for displaced persons in Monguno, Konduga, and Ngala.

“The ministry will also facilitate skills acquisition programmes targeting over 20,000 women and youths, focusing on tailoring, soap making, and other vocational skills.

“Additionally, the government plans to distribute starter packs and cash grants to widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups to promote self-reliance,” Zulum said.

The governor Zulum said that no community would be left behind in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts of his administration.

NAN