Rakiya A. Muhammad
Communities, the organised private sector, civil society, youth, and women’s groups have joined forces with the state government to shape Sokoto’s 2026 Budget.
“For too long, budgeting has been seen as an exercise confined to the corridors of government, “Governor Ahmed Aliyu pointed out at a Consultative Townhall meeting.
“Today, we break from that tradition. Today, we bring the budget to the people.”
He painted the budget as a living blueprint of shared dreams, a bold statement of priorities, and the driving force set to propel Sokoto’s progress in 2026.
“To the Community Members, we heard about your pressing needs in your local government areas and wards. That has to do with water supply, Primary Health Centres, and feeder roads, etc,” he highlighted.
“To the Organized Private Sector, we also shared your ideas on how we can improve the ease of doing business. Our policies would be geared toward growth for a better government and partners in progress.”
He applauded civil society groups for their insightful, data-driven analysis, which brings grassroots voices to the forefront and champions inclusivity and transparency.
“To our vibrant youth, you are the lifeblood and the future of this State. Your contributions in this meeting told us more about your entrepreneurial dreams, your desire for digital skills, and the kind of state you wish to inherit,” Gov Aliyu stated.
“To our phenomenal women groups, you are the backbone of our economy and our families. We heed to your advice on policies that empower, protect, and elevate the status of women and girls in every sphere.”
The Sokoto helmsman reflected on how, together, they had weathered economic storms, crediting their resilience and teamwork for keeping Sokoto’s course steady.
He highlighted strides made across his administration’s 9-point smart agenda, with notable advances in infrastructure, education, healthcare, religious affairs, security, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
Yet, the governor recognized that significant challenges still lie ahead.
“The cost of living, the need for sustainable jobs for our youth, the demand for quality healthcare and education, and the state of our infrastructure – these are the real-life issues you face daily,” he noted
“It is against this backdrop that we have crafted a budget that is not only fiscally responsible but also socially responsive.”
Governor Aliyu rooted the 2026 budget in four foundational pillars: Economic Expansion and Job Creation,
Human Capital Development, Infrastructure and Sustainable Environment, Security and Social Harmony.
He explained that these were the pressing questions, and he found their answers by listening directly to the voices in the room. He promised that every stakeholder’s voice would be heard and valued.
“The insights gathered here today, and through other ongoing channels, will be meticulously compiled and presented to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning,” he disclosed.
“They will form the very foundation of the budget proposal I will present to the State House of Assembly soon.”
Calling the Town Hall a covenant between leaders and citizens, he urged everyone to step out from the sidelines and take up the shared responsibility of building Sokoto’s future together.
The governor extended gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his visionary and steadfast leadership, which he observed continued to be a guiding light for the nation
