By Peter Omopo
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has signed the ₦758.7 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accelerating socio-economic development across the state.
The budget, tagged the “Budget of Socio-Economic Expansion,” was assented to on Friday following its passage by the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
Speaking shortly after signing the bill, Governor Aliyu commended the legislature for its swift and diligent consideration of the budget proposal, assuring residents that implementation would begin immediately to ensure the timely execution of projects and programmes.
According to the governor, the 2026 budget prioritises sectors that directly impact the welfare of citizens. He disclosed that 41 per cent of the total allocation is dedicated to the economic sector, 37 per cent to the social sector, while 16 per cent—amounting to ₦122.73 billion—is earmarked for health.
Key health projects captured in the budget include the completion of the Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital in Kasarawa, the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and the upgrading of general hospitals in Binji, Tambuwal and Sabon Birni. The budget also provides for the procurement of 21 ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services across the state.
Governor Aliyu said the education sector received ₦115.95 billion to improve teaching and learning conditions, rehabilitate schools and expand infrastructure in tertiary institutions, while agriculture was allocated ₦18.74 billion to boost food production and enhance food security.
Describing the budget as development-driven, the governor noted that 72 per cent of the total expenditure is allocated to capital projects, with 28 per cent set aside for recurrent spending, in line with recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
He further disclosed that projects executed under his administration were financed without borrowing, maintaining Sokoto State’s debt-free status.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, described the budget as people-oriented and capable of accelerating socio-economic growth. He assured that the legislature would provide effective oversight to ensure prudent and transparent implementation.
With the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, the Sokoto State Government reiterated its commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency and inclusive development, expressing optimism that the budget would significantly improve the living standards of residents and stimulate economic growth across the state.
