The Sokoto State Government (SOSG), in partnership with UNICEF through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, convened a Citizen’s Town Hall Meeting on the Proposed 2026 Budget at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies, Sokoto.
The Town Hall was organized to provide a platform for citizens and stakeholders to share their views and prioritiesfor the proposed 2026 budget. The program aims to promote transparency, accountability, and participatory governance, ensuring the budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.
The event was chaired by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto (FCNA), and brought together representatives of civil society organisation’s, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, persons with disabilities, development partners, and the private sector. Also present at the meeting was the Hon. Minister of State for Works, Barrister Muhammad Bello Goronyo.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu highlighted several key commitments proposed for the 2026 budget, including the replacement of outdated machinery at the Sokoto State Water Board, renovation of Murtala Muhammad Hospital, Giginya Stadium, and the NYSC Orientation Camp in Wamakko, as well as improvements in school furnishings and increased allowances for school principals.
He also approved the full renovation of Abdur Rashid Adisa Special School and reaffirmed that the N70,000 minimum wage will extend to the Sultanate Council. The Governor assured participants that all recommendations from citizens, civil society, UNICEF, and private sector partners would be considered in the proposed budget.
The Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar M. Zayyana, described the engagement as a key step in transparent and participatory budgeting, enabling residents to shape Sokoto’s development priorities. He noted that over the past two years, the state has implemented structural and policy reforms to strengthen governance, improve productivity, and drive sustainable growth.
The Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Maryam Ahmed Barade, commended the Governor for his support for participatory budgeting and acknowledged UNICEF, UNFPA, and other partners for facilitating inclusive citizen engagement across all senatorial districts.
Representing the Head of the UNICEF Field Office, Mr. Alan Ibenga, Planning and Monitoring Specialist, praised the State Government’s commitment to transparency, including the recent release of counterpart funding for child nutrition and the creation of an enabling environment for development partners.
The meeting concluded with presentations from civil society, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, and persons with disabilities, who shared their inputs and priorities for inclusion in the 2026 budget.
The Town Hall highlighted the State Government’s commitment to a citizen-driven, accountable budgeting process, aligned with the 9-Point Smart Agenda of His Excellency, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto.
This information was obtained from a press release issued by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Sokoto State.
17-11-2025
