By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, the Sokoto state governor on Friday, November 29th, presented a budget proposal of N526.8 billion for the 2025 fiscal year as he announced a wage of N70,000 for implementation with effect from January 2025.
Capital expenditure has N349.3bn which represents 56% while Recurrent expenditure attracts N176.29 billion at 44% of the total budget for the 2025 fiscal year with education and health sectors topping the allocation.
Presenting the budget tagged “Budget of Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability ”, Governor Sokoto said the budget drawn in line with existing budgetary standards, was an inclusive drive which reflects the views of the people of the state, hence the need for the administration to continue to remain determined and focused on priority needs with direct bearing to the lives of Sokoto people .
He assured that his government would be consistent in realising the 9- Point Smart agenda template for the economic prosperity of the state through accelerated development in all sectors that would provide opportunities for citizens of the state .
Sokoto stressed that “we will do everything humanly possible to transform all sectors for the state and by 2025, all township roads would have been rehabilitated. Thank God as you can see , Sokoto is wearing a look .
” We will also drive a responsive synergy template with security agencies and other stakeholders to address current economic security challenges in the state.”, noting that it was the major headache while commending the resilient operations by the security with enhanced support of the state government in tackling the situation.
While noting that the year under review was fast challenging occasioned by insecurity and economic downturn, the governor said despite that, his administration made some landmark achievements through numerous welfare and social intervention programmes including palliative to support various groups and individuals .
” To this end, we have reintroduced payment of allowances to destitutes and othe vulnerable groups , Imams and other less privillege persons as well ensure prompt payment of gratuity to retirees “, he mentioned while stressing that more beneficial programmes were underway to improve the welfare of Sokoto people.
The governor, who noted that banditry was fast giving way, reassured that his administration would emphasise measures aimed at protecting citizens in the state by strengthening responsive synergy with security agencies, “We shall continue to support their course with necessary equipment and logistics as vehicles among others.”
Receiving the proposal, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga commended the governor for the timely presentation assuring that the budget will receive the necessary blessing to brace the administration’s desire to achieve its 9-Point smart agenda with ease.
He stated: “We will also ensure a harmonious and smooth working partnership for the governor to sustain the tempo of hard work for the benefit of our dear state.”
However, in attendance were the APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, former deputy Governor, Abdullahi Chiso Dattijo and the representative of the state Chief Judge.
Others include: former Speakers Lawali Labbo Margai and Aminu Manya Achida, Ambassador Sahabi Isah Gada, state APC Chairman, Alhaji Sadik Isah Achida, Alhaji Hassan Dangote, Councils Chairmen, state executive council members, Head of Service, Alhaji Suleiman S/ Fulani Ahmadu, religious and traditional leaders, Head of Service, Alhaji Suleiman S/ Fulani Ahmadu, state APC Women Leader, members of the business community, representatives of NGOs and CSOs Students and Youth groups among others.
