By M. A. Dangusau
Since assuming office on 29 May 2023, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has steered Sokoto State through a period of ambitious reforms and visible development, positioning his administration as one of the most proactive in the state’s recent history.
Guided by his 9-Point SMART Agenda, Governor Aliyu’s leadership has recorded measurable progress across critical sectors — from infrastructure and education to security and social welfare — while maintaining fiscal discipline and avoiding excessive borrowing that could burden future generations.
Education has emerged as a flagship priority of the administration. Demonstrating a strong commitment to human capital development, the state allocated an unprecedented 25 percent of its 2025 budget to the education sector, surpassing many regional benchmarks. School infrastructure has been renovated and expanded, instructional materials supplied, and student welfare significantly improved. The administration increased students’ feeding allowances and introduced monthly maintenance funds for school principals to ensure timely repairs and improved learning environments.
These interventions have contributed to improved student attendance and retention rates, earning the state an Award for Excellence in Education from the All-Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS).
Beyond education, Sokoto State has witnessed significant expansion in transportation and public utilities infrastructure under Governor Aliyu’s leadership. More than 240 township roads have been constructed and rehabilitated across both urban and rural communities, easing mobility, enhancing connectivity, and stimulating commercial activities. Solar-powered streetlights have been installed along major roads in all 23 local government areas, improving public safety and extending economic activities into the night.
The administration has also prioritized access to clean water through the rehabilitation of several township water schemes, addressing longstanding challenges in water supply and improving living conditions for residents across the state.
The healthcare sector has equally experienced notable improvements through targeted investments and reforms. Numerous primary healthcare centres have been rehabilitated and equipped, while general hospitals are undergoing upgrades to enhance service delivery. A statewide free maternity care programme has been introduced to reduce maternal and infant mortality and expand access to quality healthcare services, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
Security remains a central focus of the administration, especially in a region previously affected by banditry and related challenges. Governor Aliyu has implemented strategic measures to strengthen public safety, including the procurement and distribution of over 200 operational vehicles to security agencies. The establishment of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps has further enhanced grassroots surveillance and intelligence gathering, complementing the efforts of conventional security forces. These initiatives earned the Governor an Award of Excellence for advancing security from the Movement for Social Justice.
In addition to infrastructural and security interventions, the administration has prioritized economic empowerment and social welfare programmes aimed at improving livelihoods. Thousands of youths and women have benefited from vocational and entrepreneurial training initiatives designed to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance.
Civil servants and pensioners have also enjoyed consistent and timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, while the early implementation of the new minimum wage has strengthened household income stability and boosted morale within the public service.
Governor Aliyu’s performance has attracted national recognition, including his selection as “Best Governor of the Year” by The Sun Newspaper, reflecting growing acknowledgment of his governance approach and developmental strides.
As Sokoto advances into 2026, the Governor has reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating ongoing reforms, with renewed focus on security, youth development, and sustainable infrastructure expansion. Anchored on inclusive growth and prudent financial management, the state’s development trajectory continues to move toward shared prosperity.
Dr. Ahmed Aliyu’s tenure so far reflects an administration grounded in practical action and strategic planning — transforming Sokoto not merely through promises, but through tangible milestones that positively impact everyday life.
