The Borno State Government has reassured residents that the recent withdrawal of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will not significantly impact essential services such as healthcare and education.
During a press conference in Maiduguri on Monday, Dr. Babagana Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, explained that the state has financial plans in place to handle any funding gaps.
He downplayed concerns about the impact of the funding cut, stating that much of the USAID support required the state to contribute matching funds.
“If an organisation like UNICEF donates $100,000, we also contribute $100,000. If they don’t provide funding, we don’t either,” he said.
To make up for any shortfall, Dr. Wakilbe said the government is working with other partners, including AGILE and UNICEF, to continue supporting healthcare and education. He also expressed confidence that new funding sources would become available.
The commissioner stated that the 2025 budget, signed into law on January 7, prioritises essential services and development projects.
The budget is worth ₦615.857 billion, with ₦228.7 billion allocated for salaries and administrative costs, while ₦387.1 billion will go towards capital projects, including infrastructure, security, education, and healthcare.
Dr. Wakilbe also noted that Borno successfully implemented 88% of its 2024 budget, an improvement from 74% in 2023.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every naira spent benefits the people of Borno and contributes to security, economic growth, and rebuilding efforts after floods and conflicts.
The budget will be funded through internally generated revenue, federal allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT), grants, and other capital receipts.
Dr. Wakilbe assured the public that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability in its spending.
