Dr Bashir Achida, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, has charged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure realistic and transformative 2027 budgeting processes in line with the present administration’s policies and vision.
Achida made the charge when he led deliberations on the 2027 budget proposals from MDAs on Monday in Sokoto.
He harped on the need for MDAs to cut waste, eliminate duplicative projects and focus resources on areas with the greatest impact on citizens.
He stressed that existing projects must be reviewed based on performance, while new projects should be properly prioritised.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability, value for money and results-driven spending in the 2027 budget.
According to him, the exercise is centred on ensuring that MDAs stay within approved expenditure ceilings, provide clear and specific descriptions of all budget lines, and align all projects with the 9-Point SMART Agenda of Gov. Ahmad Aliyu.
He added that the processes were aligned with the previous budget audit outcomes to streamline effectiveness and benefits to citizens.
Achida highlighted the need for MDAs to liaise with the State’s Revenue Agency in harmonising revenue collection platforms, enhancing targeted areas and ensuring transparent dealings to harness the real revenue potential of the state.
Presenting a proposal, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Alkali Al-Mustapha, said priority was accorded to promoting productive agricultural models for food security, job creation and socioeconomic development in the state.
Al-Mustapha said no fewer than 350 standard tractors and equipment were procured, and seedlings, fertilisers, chemicals and other inputs distributed free as incentives to motivate farmers across the state.
He said Gov. Aliyu decided to distribute the items free in recognition of the state government’s position and commitment to the economic well-being of citizens, toward enhancing productive engagement, especially in the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of economic rejuvenation.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Skills Acquisition and Development, Arzika Bidinga, said the ministry designed skills empowerment training for 10,000 youths with start-up grants in the 2027 budget.
Bidinga said the ministry also planned collaboration with other state and federal government MDAs, along with non-governmental organisations, in order to achieve the designed skills empowerment training programmes.
In his presentation, Bello Wamakko, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, said priority was accorded to modern breeding and insemination processes for economic empowerment and increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the state.
It was reported that the sitting featured scrutiny and deliberations on each of the budgeted proposals defended by Directors and Heads of units.
