Governor Babagana Umara Zulum continued his aggressive “post-insurgency recovery” agenda by disbursing N1 billion to Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Borno South Senatorial District.
The disbursement, unveiled in Biu LGA, is part of a broader fiscal strategy outlined in the state’s N890.3 billion 2026 “Sustained Recovery and Growth” budget. By injecting capital directly into the hands of rural entrepreneurs, the administration aims to foster grassroots self-reliance and stabilize the local economy.
The Borno South SME Package
The funds were specifically allocated to business owners and vulnerable groups in the following council areas:
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Biu
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Hawul
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Shani
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Bayo
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Kwaya-Kusar
“Direct capital injection into the SME sector is crucial for driving grassroots development and fostering self-reliance during the post-insurgency recovery phase.” — Gov. Babagana Zulum
Human Capital and Social Stability Initiatives
The Governor’s visit to Borno South was not limited to financial grants. He launched several high-impact social and employment programs:
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Youth Employment: 200 young individuals from Biu were granted immediate, permanent employment to combat restiveness and promote social stability.
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“Second Chance” Education: Inaugurated a fully remodeled school in Biu for vulnerable women and girls who missed formal education. The curriculum includes digital literacy, vocational skills (tailoring, catering, and computer skills), and basic numeracy.
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Healthcare Support: At the Biu Specialist Hospital, the Governor announced the automatic employment of several dedicated volunteer health workers who had been serving without formal contracts.
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Teachers’ Welfare: Inspected a 100-unit teachers’ housing estate in Biu town, a strategic move to attract and retain high-quality educators in public schools.
Borno 2026 Fiscal Strategy Snapshot
| Focus Area | Detail |
| Total 2026 Budget | N890.33 Billion |
| Theme | Sustained Recovery and Growth |
| Top Priority | Security & Human Capital Development |
| SME Disbursement | N1 Billion (Southern District) |
| Education Reform | 3 “Second Chance” Schools (Maiduguri, Bama, Biu) |
| Infrastructure | Rehabilitation of Borno State Hotel Annex, Biu |
Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
In addition to the social programs, Governor Zulum directed the immediate rehabilitation of the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu. This follows the successful revitalization of the main Borno State Hotel in Maiduguri, which has been modernized to serve as a symbol of the state’s heritage and its return to normalcy.
