By Onuminya Innocent, Sokoto
The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu says the 2026 budget frame works is built on community voices.
Aliyu stated this at the opening of the one‑day town‑hall meeting on Sunday at Sultan Muhammad Maccido Quranic institute , Sokoto.
In his words, “I stand before you today not as a distant administrator, but as a partner, a listener, and a servant‑leader.”
The governor described the gathering as a chance “to co‑create the future of our beloved State.”
He reminded the diverse audience of community members, civil‑society groups, the organized private sector, youths and women’s organisations that a budget is “more than just a financial document; it is a statement of intention and moral document.
“It is the blueprint of our collective aspirations, the concrete expression of our priorities, and the engine that will drive our development for the year 2026.”
He signalled a break from the tradition of budgeting behind closed doors and invited every citizen to become an active author of the state’s fiscal roadmap.
Looking back, Governor Aliyu said Sokoto had “navigated challenging economic waters together,” sustaining progress across the nine‑point smart agenda – from infrastructure renewal and education to healthcare, religious affairs, security, agriculture and youth empowerment.
Yet he acknowledged the hardships that remain: the cost of living, the hunger for sustainable jobs, the demand for quality health and education services, and the state of roads and water supply.
“These are the real‑life issues you face daily and it is against this backdrop that we have crafted a budget that is not only fiscally responsible but also socially responsive”, he added.
The governor anchored the 2026 fiscal plan on four pillars: Economic Expansion and Job Creation, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure and Sustainable Environment, and Security and Social Harmony.
He explained that each pillar was shaped by the candid conversations on the floor. “We heard about your pressing needs in your local government areas and wards – water supply, primary health centres, feeder roads, and more,” he told community members.
He praised the organized private sector for sharing ideas on improving the ease of doing business, promising policies that position them as “partners in progress.”
To civil‑society groups he said, “Be our critical conscience. Hold us accountable,” noting that their data‑driven analyses would ensure inclusivity and transparency.
Addressing the youth, he called them “the lifeblood and the future of this State,” highlighting their entrepreneurial dreams, desire for digital skills and vision for the state they wish to inherit.
To women’s groups he said, “You are the backbone of our economy and our families,” and pledged policies that empower, protect and elevate women and girls.
He further explained that all insights gathered at the town‑hall and through ongoing channels will be “meticulously compiled and presented to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning,” forming the foundation of the budget he will soon table before the State House of Assembly.
Calling the gathering “more than a meeting; it is a covenant,” Aliyu urged citizens to abandon “the culture of complaining from the sidelines and embrace the responsibility of building from the frontlines.”
He expressed confidence that this collaborative spirit would “enhance and shape our thinking to build a prosperous future for our dear State.”
He also extended a special thank you to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his “visionary and steadfast leadership” as a guiding light for Nigeria and a source of inspiration for Sokoto’s development agenda.
“His unwavering commitment to national unity, economic stability, and progressive development in the country and Sokoto State in particular is appreciative,” he said.
He stressed that he is grateful for what he learned from the meeting, especially the frank and constructive input of the stakeholders. It inspires me to believe that you have so much love for our dear State and I will continue to remain your electoral son and servant.”
He thanked the audience for their time and commitment: “May God bless you all, and may God bless Sokoto State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He maintained that 2026 budget would soon be sent to the state house of assembly pledging that its implementation will be monitored closely by the very citizens who helped shape it.
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