The new Sokoto State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Bashir Muhammad Achida, has pledged to build on existing reforms and introduce new strategies to accelerate the implementation of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s 9-Point SMART Innovative Agenda.
Dr. Achida made the commitment during a briefing with the State Technical Working Committee on the 9-Point Agenda, held at the Ministry’s conference room in Sokoto.
The meeting served as a formal handover and strategic review session with the immediate past Commissioner and former Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Zayyana.
Focus on completion and data-driven planning
Dr. Zayyana, who recently resigned to contest the Gwadabawa/Illela Federal Constituency seat, urged the new leadership to prioritize the completion of the State Development Plan initiated under his watch.
He also called for wider use of the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index recently launched by the state government.
“We have laid a solid foundation with the 9-Point SMART Agenda Framework, and UNICEF has agreed to partner with the Ministry to scientifically assess the performance of each thematic area,” Zayyana said.
He further advised strengthening the Ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Department and the Department of International Cooperation, noting that citizens’ participation through zonal town hall meetings should be sustained and extended to ward and local government levels.
Achida promises continuity with new ideas
In his response, Dr. Achida commended his predecessor for what he described as “creditworthy work” in compiling the agenda document, the MPI report, and coordinating development partners.
“Dr. Abubakar Zayyana performed creditably in aligning the activities of Development Partners with the goals of the present administration. We will consolidate on these successes and introduce new ideas to move the Ministry to greater heights and boost the state’s economy,” Achida said.
The Commissioner added that his office would remain open to advice from stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the former Commissioner.
What is the 9-Point SMART Agenda?
Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s development blueprint is structured around nine thematic areas:
- Security – Strengthen security of lives and property
- Moral and Religious Affairs – Promote moral values and support religious institutions
- Agriculture – Boost food security, modern farming, and agribusiness
- Roads and Infrastructure – Expand road networks, housing, and public infrastructure
- Technology and Innovation – Drive digital economy and ICT development
- Social Welfare – Expand social protection, women and youth empowerment
- Market and Economic Development – Revitalize markets, support MSMEs, and attract investment
- Access to Quality Education – Improve basic, secondary and tertiary education
- Revitalization of Health Services – Strengthen primary healthcare and hospitals
The Permanent Secretary of MBEP, Buhari Umar Musheshi, praised the Committee for its commitment.
Earlier, the Committee Secretary, Ibrahim Muhammad, and State Statistician General, Abdullahi Abdulrahman Shagari, gave an overview of activities.
Contributions also came from Dr. Nasir Daniya of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, CSO Chairman, Bello Gwadabawa, and Prof. Abubakar Abdullahi, who highlighted priority areas for the new Commissioner who now chairs the Technical Working Committee.
