Follow Us on Google
From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to participatory governance as it convened a one-day town hall meeting to gather citizens’ inputs into the proposed 2026 budget.
The event, held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies, drew community leaders, civil society groups, the private sector, women, and youth representatives.
The meeting marked the grand finale of a series of statewide consultations designed to give residents a direct voice in shaping the state’s development priorities.
It is the third such engagement under the present administration, signalling what officials describe as a deliberate shift toward transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Abubakar Mohammad Zayyanna, said the consultation aligns with global best practices in fiscal governance and reflects Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto’s determination to strengthen public participation in policy formulation.
He said that the current administration is passionate about bringing significant reforms for the development of Sokoto State.
Other News
“To achieve expanded citizens’ participation in the management of their own development, his excellency approved the recently concluded citizens’ consultations across the three senatorial zones, the first of its kind in the history of the state.”
Dr Zayyanna noted that over the past two and a half years, the administration has introduced structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring sustainable growth.
He added that the town hall series offers an important platform for stakeholders “to discuss the budget proposal and give inputs to our mission for rapid development.”
Acknowledging criticisms from political opponents, the commissioner said the government remained committed to equity, justice, and growth through people-centred engagement.
He emphasised that participatory budgeting helps prevent social exclusion, enhances public trust, and aligns the state with both national and international best practices.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Maryam Ahmed Barade, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for supporting the consultation process at both state and zonal levels.
She also appreciated the contributions of government officials, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and development partners, including UNICEF, UNFPA, and various civil society organisations.
