By Rakiya A.Muhammad
The Sokoto State Government has expressed its commitment to working regularly with traditional rulers to identify their communities’ most pressing needs and guide development partners toward meaningful interventions.
The goal, Dr Bashir Muhammad Achida, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, said, was to match interventions closely with each community’s real needs and prevent duplication of efforts and misplaced priorities.
The Commissioner shared this during the 2027 Budget Town Hall meeting in Wurno Local Government Area for Sokoto East Senatorial District, adding that the Ministry of Budget would handle this work, as it oversees the state’s economic growth and coordinates development partners’ activities.
He revealed that the Governor has revitalised the Ministry, empowering it to fulfil its responsibilities better and fully deliver on its mission.
Dr Achida appreciated UNICEF and the European Union for their strong support.
Reflecting on the town hall meetings, he described the citizen engagements as truly significant, with community members actively shaping the State budget through their valuable contributions.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Buhari, noted impressive turnout and spirited involvement of individuals, traditional leaders, community heads, civil society groups, youth, women, and people living with disabilities in the exercise.
To cap the process, the Permanent Secretary announced a grand finale event where all shared perspectives will be highlighted, and further ideas gathered, refining the draft 2027 budget before it goes to the executive.
The Sultan, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, gave a goodwill message. The royal father, represented by the District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabiru Chigari Alhassan, applauded the State Government for recognising traditional institutions.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Chairman and Chairman of Tambuwal Local Government, Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal, lauded Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s foresight in approving the budget ministry’s initiative.
