The Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu has officially presented a ₦526,882,142,484.39 budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. This comprehensive budget is titled the “Transformational and Infrastructural Budget” and reflects the administration's vision for sustained development and progress.
During his presentation, Governor Aliyu highlighted that the budget proposal prioritizes key areas crucial to the growth and well-being of the state. He emphasized that these focus areas align with the administration’s nine priority sectors and are designed to tackle pressing challenges while promoting long-term prosperity.
In his remarks, the governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy and ensuring good governance for the people of Sokoto State. He expressed confidence in the budget's potential to transform the state’s socio-economic landscape significantly.
Providing a detailed breakdown, Governor Aliyu explained that the ₦526.88 billion budget comprises capital expenditure amounting to ₦349,386,540,354.25 and recurrent expenditure totaling ₦176,295,602,130.14. This allocation demonstrates the administration's focus on infrastructure development while maintaining efficient government operations.
Governor Aliyu stated, “The budget sums up to Five hundred and twenty-six billion, eight hundred and eighty-two million, one hundred and forty-two thousand, four hundred eighty-four Naira and thirty-nine Kobo (₦526,882,142,484.39). This proposal aims to promote growth, transformation, and prosperity across the state.”
He further elaborated, “This budget will address key issues outlined in the nine priority areas of our administration: Security, Religious Affairs, Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, Water Supply, Empowerment, Economy, and Local Government Autonomy. Each sector will receive the attention and resources needed to improve the lives of Sokoto residents.”
In addressing security concerns, Governor Aliyu disclosed significant investments in bolstering security measures. He stated that over 130 patrol vehicles were purchased and distributed to security agencies as part of efforts to combat banditry and ensure the safety of the populace.
Additionally, the administration established the Community Guard Corps to strengthen grassroots security operations. The corps has been equipped with 40 patrol vehicles, 700 motorcycles, and office spaces at both state and local government levels to ensure effective operations.
The governor also announced the approval of a minimum wage of ₦70,000 for state workers, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce. He noted that this initiative is part of broader efforts to improve living standards for state employees.
Governor Aliyu highlighted additional welfare programs, including the introduction of monthly cash allocations to 87 Juma’at Mosques, amounting to ₦32,000,000 monthly. He stated, “We also provided food and cash assistance to Imams, Deputy Imams, Muazzins, Malaman Zaure, and grassroots preachers across the state to support their vital contributions to society.”
These measures reflect a holistic approach to governance, aiming to address immediate challenges while laying the foundation for a brighter future in Sokoto State.
