Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The 2026 Sokoto State Citizens’ Budget Town Hall meeting on Sunday convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, development partners, and representatives of academic institutions, for an extensive public dialogue on the state’s fiscal priorities. The event took place at the Sultan Maccido Institute Conference Hall.
Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, who chaired the engagement, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to participatory governance and transparent budgeting.
“We are building a government that listens, responds, and plans with its citizens,” he said. “Our budgeting process will continue to reflect the real needs and aspirations of our people.”
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Lawal Mohammed Zayyana, highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping the 2026 budget.
“This town hall is not just a formality; it is a platform for partnership,” he stated. “We want every stakeholder to see their concerns reflected in the final budget.”
Civil society representatives praised the government for maintaining open governance practices, noting that such engagements strengthen accountability and help ensure that public funds are allocated to priority areas.
Development partners, including UNICEF, stressed the need for strategic investment in social services.
“Our collaboration with the state aims at improving education, healthcare, and child welfare,” a UNICEF representative said. “A participatory budget ensures better outcomes for vulnerable groups.”
Traditional institutions also expressed their support.
His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the District Head of Wurno, Kabiru Chigari Alhassan, called for unity and transparency in governance.
“The Sultanate Council supports every effort that brings government closer to the people.
“A budget that reflects citizens’ voices builds trust and strengthens development,” he said.
Academia and education-focused stakeholders urged the government to increase investments in schools, skills development, and youth-oriented programs, noting that the state’s long-term progress depends on empowering its young population.
Prominent figures, including former Deputy Governor Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, former Minister of Water Resources Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, and Minister of State for Works Barrister Muhammadu Bello Goronyo, commended ongoing development initiatives and called for sustained commitment.
The town hall concluded with a collective pledge from participants to uphold a participatory and transparent budgeting process that remains responsive to the needs of communities across Sokoto State.
