Yobe State, affected by Boko Haram’s insurgency, plans significant expenditures for electronic appliances and renovations in its 2024 budget. The state’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has allocated N200 million for the purchase of two air conditioners, as detailed in the 2024 appropriation bill, which SaharaReporters accessed. Additionally, the ministry intends to spend N100 million on two television sets, within a total capital expenditure budget of N1.131 billion.
The overall state budget for 2024, amounting to N217 billion and covering both capital and recurrent expenditures, was approved by Governor Mai Mala Buni in December 2023.
Investigations by SaharaReporters further uncovered that N180 million is designated for the renovation and construction of mosques and graveyards under the state Ministry of Agriculture’s budget. An extra N30 million is allocated for building a mosque at the Nasari grazing reserve, totaling N210 million for such projects.
Yobe State has suffered from terrorism, with numerous lives lost and significant property damage, including religious sites. Recently, SaharaReporters reported an attack on Major General MLD Sara’s convoy by Boko Haram insurgents using explosives. The attack took place in Kukareta, Yobe State, and was orchestrated by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram. The explosion injured the driver and damaged the vehicle, although Major General Sara and another army personnel were unharmed. This incident occurred during an assessment visit to a military formation previously targeted by terrorists, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.