MAIDUGURI: The Borno State Government has reportedly spent a staggering ₦1.8 billion in just six months on livelihood support for repentant Boko Haram members, according to official budget performance documents reviewed by Sahara Reporters.
A breakdown of the data reveals that ₦1.6 billion of the total was disbursed between March and June 2025, highlighting a major increase in spending during the second quarter of the year.
In 2024, ₦3.4 billion was already spent on the same initiative between January and September. For the 2025 fiscal year, the government has earmarked a total of ₦7.4 billion for the reintegration and rehabilitation of former insurgents.
This amount has sparked criticism as it compares unfavorably to spending on essential infrastructure and services. For instance, in the 2025 budget:
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₦11 billion is allocated to capital projects under the Basic Education Board. The ₦7.4 billion set aside for ex-Boko Haram members equals 67% of this education budget.
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₦8.7 billion is earmarked for Primary Healthcare Development, meaning the livelihood support budget is 85% of the healthcare infrastructure fund.
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In contrast, only ₦4.3 billion is allocated to water facility construction for the entire state in 2025.
From January to September 2024, Borno spent:
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₦359 million on water infrastructure,
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₦1.4 billion on health facility rehabilitation,
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₦2.6 billion on public schools, and
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₦2.035 billion on road maintenance.
Each of these was dwarfed by the ₦3.4 billion spent on rehabilitating insurgents during that same period.
Despite these investments, security challenges persist. Governor Babagana Zulum has recently warned of Boko Haram and ISWAP regrouping in Lake Chad’s Tumbus area and the Mandara Hills within Sambisa Forest.
During an expanded security meeting in April, Governor Zulum emphasized the need for a stronger military presence and advanced air support, citing recent ISWAP drone attacks on the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
He also stressed the importance of non-kinetic solutions like reintegration programs but called for greater accountability and balance, especially when essential services are underfunded.
As insecurity continues in the region, the debate intensifies around the state’s spending priorities with many questioning whether funds are being channeled toward long-term peace or short-term appeasement.
