Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria — The Governor of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Borno State Executive Council, effectively ending the tenure of all commissioners serving in the state government.
Okay News reports that the decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani. The statement explained that the move is intended to create room for cabinet members who may wish to contest elective offices in the forthcoming general elections.
Borno State is one of Nigeria’s 36 states and is located in the country’s North-East region, an area that has faced prolonged security challenges. The State Executive Council serves as the top advisory and administrative body to the governor and is made up of commissioners overseeing key ministries such as finance, education, health, and infrastructure.
According to the statement, “The decision is to provide an enabling environment for any member of the council who may wish to contest elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.”
Governor Zulum also directed all commissioners to formally transfer responsibilities to their respective permanent secretaries, who are the highest-ranking civil servants in each ministry. The handover must be completed on or before Friday, April 3, 2026.
“Governor Zulum has therefore directed all Commissioners to hand over the affairs of their respective ministries to the Permanent Secretaries on or before Friday, April 3, 2026,” the statement added.
The governor further acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing cabinet members and praised their service to the state. “Governor Zulum expressed his profound appreciation to the outgoing Commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the development and service of the people of Borno State,” the statement read.
The dissolution means permanent secretaries will temporarily oversee ministry operations until new appointments are announced. Political observers say the move aligns with preparations for Nigeria’s upcoming electoral cycle, where public officials often resign to seek elective positions.
