Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the immediate commencement of direct payment of monthly statutory allocations to the 27 local government councils in the state.
The approval was announced by the acting governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, on Thursday in Maiduguri.
Kadafur spoke after presiding over the swearing-in of the newly elected local government chairpersons.
He said the decision was in line with the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.
He added that it also followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to governors in December 2025.
The acting governor said the policy was aimed at strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots.
He explained that the move would give council chairmen direct access to their funds.
“You should be accessible to your people,” Kadafur said.
“You know our governor is committed to the development of the state,” he added.
He said the administration expects transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
“We are looking up to you at the grassroots to ensure that whatever goes to the chairman of a local government is accounted for, down to every naira and kobo,” he said.
Kadafur described the development as a landmark decision in the state.
“Borno is the only state where local governments receive their allocations directly,” he said.
He said the decision reflected Governor Zulum’s commitment to open governance.
“This is a credit to His Excellency and a demonstration of transparency,” Kadafur stated.
He said the governor believes strongly in the local government administrative system.
“He approved direct payment so that you can go and work without delays,” he said.
“The era of local governments complaining about bureaucracy in accessing funds is over,” Kadafur added.
He said the state government would continue to publish allocations released to councils.
“We will publish whatever is given to local governments so you can be held accountable,” he said.
The acting governor also charged the chairpersons to prioritize workers’ welfare.
He directed them to ensure prompt payment of salaries and entitlements.
“You must be guardians of every naira,” Kadafur said.
“Run all projects and programs in line with the pillars of our 10-year development strategy,” he added.
He urged the councils to focus on projects that directly improve people’s lives.
He also warned against wasteful spending.
“There will be no more vanity projects,” he said.
Kadafur stressed the importance of security at the local level.
He called on the chairmen to protect the dignity and safety of residents.
He also emphasized discipline within the local government system.
“Timely payment of salaries is non-negotiable,” he said.
He added that workers must report promptly to their duty posts.
“Productivity and discipline must be restored,” Kadafur said.
