Governor Aliyu engages citizens in 2026 budget dialogue, reaffirms transparency commitment

Anene Aike, Sokoto

Sokoto State Government convened a one-day 2026 Citizen Town Hall Budget Discussion, bringing together residents, community leaders, civil society organizations, youth and women’s associations, and the private sector to collectively shape the state’s fiscal direction for the coming year.

The meeting, held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies, Sokoto, was chaired by Governor Ahmed Aliyu and organized by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF.

Governor Aliyu, addressing participants, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and data-driven governance.

“I stand before you today not as a distant administrator, but as a partner, a listener, and a servant-leader,” he said.

“We have gathered to co-create the future of our beloved state.”

He announced that the proposed 2026 budget is anchored on four key pillars, which are economic expansion and job creation, human capital development, infrastructure and sustainable environment, and security and social harmony.

The governor thanked attendees for their candid contributions, noting that many of the concerns raised, especially around water supply, Primary Health Centres, and feeder roads across local governments, would shape final adjustments to the budget.

He also acknowledged additional inputs from civil society groups, the private sector, youth networks, and women-led organizations.

“First of its kind” citizen engagement

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Mohammad Zayyanna, said the consultation reflects global best practice and reinforces Governor Aliyu’s determination to institutionalize participatory governance.

“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 said.

He explained that over the past two and a half years, the administration had undertaken significant structural reforms to boost productivity and ensure sustainable growth.

According to him, the town hall series serves as a vital platform for stakeholders “to discuss the budget proposal and give inputs to our mission for rapid development.”

The commissioner also addressed criticisms from political opponents, emphasizing that the government remains committed to equity, justice, and inclusive growth.

Participatory budgeting, he added, helps prevent social exclusion, strengthens public trust, and aligns Sokoto with both national and international development frameworks.

Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, the District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabir Alhassan, commended the administration’s continued investment in infrastructure, education, and primary healthcare.

He urged the state to consider extending the proposed new minimum wage scheme to traditional institutions, noting that stagnant allowances had placed a heavy burden on palace staff and district heads.

The event ended with renewed assurances from the government that all contributions would be carefully reviewed before the final 2026 budget is presented.