Aliyu Presides Over 2026 Citizens’ Budget Town Hall in Sokoto
Aliyu Presides Over 2026 Citizens’ Budget Town Hall in Sokoto
From Shehu M Wamakko
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State presided over a one-day 2026 Citizens’ Town Hall Budget Discussion organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF at the Sultan Maccido Institute, Sokoto.
The meeting brought together community members, civil society organisations, the organised private sector, youth groups and women’s groups to contribute to the 2026 budget proposal.
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the budget with full citizen participation, describing the process as central to building an inclusive and transformative fiscal plan for the state.
He emphasised transparency, inclusiveness and data-driven governance, noting that the town hall initiative was designed to strengthen public involvement. “We have gathered to co-create the future of our beloved state,” he said.
Aliyu outlined the proposed budget’s focus on four key pillars: Economic Expansion and Job Creation, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure and Sustainable Environment, and Security and Social Harmony.
The governor thanked participants for their contributions, particularly on pressing needs across local government areas such as water supply, primary healthcare centres and feeder roads.
He also acknowledged recommendations from private sector representatives, CSOs, youth and women’s groups.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Mohammad Zayyanna, said the engagement reflects global best practices in fiscal governance and aligns with the administration’s determination to strengthen public participation in policy formulation.
He noted that over the past two and a half years, the government has introduced reforms aimed at boosting productivity and achieving sustainable growth. Dr. Zayyanna added that the town hall series provides an avenue for stakeholders to discuss the budget proposal and offer inputs towards rapid development.
Responding to criticisms from political opponents, the commissioner said the government remains committed to equity, justice and growth through people-centred engagement, adding that participatory budgeting helps prevent social exclusion and enhances public trust.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, the District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabir Alhassan, commended the state government’s investment in roads, schools and primary healthcare.
He appealed for the proposed new minimum wage scheme to be extended to traditional rulers, noting that stagnant allowances were affecting palace staff and district heads.
