From MG Gazali
The Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval. The budget, themed “Budget of Socio-Economic Expansion,” aims to drive socio-economic growth and development in the state.
The budget stands at ₦758,700,526,537.89, with the economic sector receiving the highest allocation of 41% and the social sector receiving 37%. The security sector has been allocated ₦45,261,136,694.76, a critical investment aimed at enhancing peace and security across the state.
The health sector has been allocated 16% of the total budget, amounting to ₦122,727,992,559. Key projects include the completion of Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital Kasarawa, Murtala Muhammad Hospital, and premier hospitals in Binji, Tambuwal, and Sokoto/Birni. The budget also includes the procurement of 21 ambulances.
The Education sector has been allocated ₦115,948,091,431.85 to improve the quality of education and provide necessary infrastructure for schools and tertiary institutions.
The Agriculture sector has been allocated ₦18,742,497,182.59 to boost food production and food security by supporting farmers with inputs and resources, including the procurement of assorted fertilizers, tractors, and other related farm inputs.
The Water Resources sector has been allocated ₦41,139,037,879.71. Key projects in this sector include the installation of solar-powered energy to the state water board and the rehabilitation of old water works to improve access to clean water for citizens and enhance irrigation systems for farmers.
The Religious Affairs sector has been allocated ₦17,479,061,716.35. Key projects in this sector include the renovation and remodeling of Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque and Sultan Abubakar III Juma’at Mosque, as well as the construction of Islamiyya schools to promote Islamic education and values.
The Works and Transportation sector has been allocated ₦109,128,752,746.30 to improve the state’s infrastructure, including roads and transportation systems. Additionally, the budget includes the provision of luxurious buses to enhance transportation services in the state.
The Security sector has been allocated ₦45,261,136,694.76 to enhance peace and security across the state. Key allocations in this sector include the procurement of equipment, machineries, security vehicles, motorcycles, and other gadgets to support security agencies in maintaining law and order.
Governor Aliyu emphasized that the budget was well-crafted, with 72% allocated to capital expenditure and 28% to recurrent expenditure, in line with IMF and World Bank recommendations. He noted that all projects executed in the previous year were financed solely from the federation account and the state’s internally generated revenue, without borrowing or incurring debts.
The Governor stated that the budget is a direct reflection of the views and aspirations of the people of Sokoto State, gathered through extensive consultations and engagements with various stakeholders. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the budget serves the interests of all citizens.
Governor Aliyu appreciated the fatherly role of the State APC Leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, for his guidance and support. He acknowledged the Senator’s contributions to the state’s development and thanked him for his unwavering commitment to the progress of Sokoto State.
The Governor expressed his profound gratitude to the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly for their cooperation and support in the budget-making process,and hoped that the lawmakers will work hard to ensure the budget is passed in a timely manner and pledged to work closely with them to ensure its effective implementation.
Governor Aliyu also acknowledged the leadership commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged the state’s loyalty and support to the Federal Government. “We are committed to working with the Federal Government to ensure the success of its programs and policies. We appreciate the President’s unwavering commitment to the development of our state and the country at large,” he said.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the budget and the realization of the state’s development goals.
