Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has revealed that his administration has spent roughly ₦100 billion this year on security operations throughout the state.
Zulum made the disclosure on Thursday while visiting the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Mamza, at his palace in Uba town, located in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
He explained that persistent security challenges have hindered road construction projects in parts of southern Borno, as contractors are reluctant to work in areas deemed dangerous.
“My visit is mainly to assess the security situation. Without security, there can be no progress. I have plans to construct roads, but no contractor wants to come and work here,” he said.
The governor said the state was setting up a quarry in Gwoza and procuring 100 trucks to enable its road maintenance agency undertake some projects directly.
“In this year alone, what I spent on security is about N100 billion. If there was peace, the money would have gone into development in education, health and other sectors,” he added.
Zulum said road construction and new educational facilities would begin once the security situation improves.
Responding, the Emir of Uba acknowledged the state government’s efforts, noting that some projects had been delivered despite the security challenges.
