Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has on Friday signed into law the N758.7 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, signaling a renewed push to fast-track development, expand economic opportunities, and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
Tagged the “Budget of Socio-Economic Expansion,” the 2026 fiscal framework is designed to stimulate sustainable growth, strengthen critical infrastructure, and deliver people-focused programmes in line with the administration’s development agenda.
Governor Aliyu assented to the bill shortly after its passage by the Sokoto State House of Assembly, commending lawmakers for what he described as their diligence, patriotism, and timely scrutiny of the budget proposal.
He assured the people of the state that implementation would commence without delay, stressing that prompt execution remains central to achieving tangible and impactful outcomes.
According to the Governor, the budget prioritises sectors with direct impact on livelihoods, productivity, and social wellbeing, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
A breakdown of the estimates shows that 41 per cent of the budget is allocated to the economic sector, 37 per cent to social services, while 16 percent, amounting to N122.73 billion, is dedicated to the health sector.
Key health projects captured include the completion of the Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital in Kasarawa, the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and major hospitals in Binji, Tambuwal, and Sabon Birni.
To boost emergency healthcare delivery, the budget also provides for the procurement of 21 modern ambulances to strengthen response capacity across the state.
The education sector received N115.95 billion, aimed at improving learning outcomes, rehabilitating schools, and expanding infrastructure in tertiary institutions.
In agriculture, N18.74 billion was earmarked to enhance food production, strengthen food security, and support farmers through improved access to inputs, modern equipment, and extension services.
Governor Aliyu noted that the 2026 budget is firmly development-driven, with 72 per cent allocated to capital expenditure and 28 per cent to recurrent spending, in line with global best practices and recommendations by international financial institutions.
He further disclosed that projects executed in the previous fiscal year were funded strictly from the Federation Account and the state’s internally generated revenue, without borrowing, reaffirming Sokoto State’s debt-free status.
While appreciating the leadership and members of the House of Assembly for their cooperation, the Governor urged sustained legislative oversight to ensure transparent and faithful implementation of the budget.
He pledged continued synergy between the executive and legislative arms to translate budgetary provisions into measurable development gains for the people.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, said the timely passage of the appropriation bill reflected the strong working relationship between both arms of government.
He explained that the House subjected the budget to rigorous examination to ensure alignment with the state’s development priorities and aspirations.
The Assembly commended Governor Aliyu’s policy direction, particularly his focus on security, healthcare, education, agriculture, and economic growth, describing the budget as people-centred and growth-oriented.
The Speaker assured that the legislature would sustain robust oversight to guarantee transparency, accountability, and effective delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Sokoto State.
