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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
Residents of Sokoto State have converged for a town hall meeting to contribute directly to the 2026 budget.
The engagement, which was held at the Sultan Maccido Institute in Sokoto, brought together community leaders, civil society groups, private-sector players, as well as women and youth organisations.
Speaking during the town hall, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a people-driven development agenda.
While addressing the participants, he said that he has approached the session “as a partner, a listener, and a servant-leader,” emphasising that the 2026 budget would represent a shared vision between government and citizens.
“The budget is more than just a financial document, it is a blueprint of our collective aspirations. For too long, budgeting has been confined to government corridors. Today, we bring the budget to the people.”
While acknowledging progress under the state’s nine-point Smart Agenda, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment, he said that persistent gaps require urgent, community-shaped interventions. Rising living costs, job scarcity, pressure on social services, and infrastructure deficits formed the backdrop for what he described as a “socially responsive” budget.
According to him, the 2026 fiscal proposal will rest on four pillars shaped largely by issues raised during the consultations including economic expansion and job creation, human capital development, infrastructure and sustainable environment, and security and social harmony.
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The governor highlighted specific concerns expressed at the forum ranging from the need for improved water supply, feeder roads and primary health centres, to demands for a more business-friendly environment.
Civil society representatives offered critical analysis to enhance accountability, while young people pushed for digital skills and entrepreneurship opportunities. Women’s groups called for policies that protect and expand opportunities for women and girls.
“Your voices will not be ignored,” he assured, adding that inputs from the town hall and other channels would form the foundation of the budget he will soon present to the State House of Assembly.
He described the gathering as a covenant between the government and the governed, urging citizens to move from passive complaint to active participation in building the state they desire.
Governor Aliyu also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he termed “visionary and steadfast leadership,” noting that national policies have continued to guide development efforts in Sokoto.
Closing the meeting, he expressed gratitude for the candid contributions from attendees, saying their commitment inspires confidence in the state’s collective future. “I will continue to remain your electoral son and servant.”
The governor urged residents to sustain the momentum as Sokoto finalises a budget shaped, for the first time, squarely by the priorities of its people.
