The Sokoto State Government has organized zonal townhall meetings across the three senatorial districts to ensure that the 2026 budget reflects the real needs and priorities of citizens at the grassroots.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, disclosed this during the meetings held in Tambuwal, Tangaza, and Gwadabawa Local Government Areas.
He said the initiative was part of the state government’s commitment to participatory governance, explaining that the town hall meetings were designed to allow communities to contribute directly to the 2026 budget formulation process.
“The budget is an estimation of government income and expenditures, depending on revenue generation,” Dr. Zayyana noted, adding that the state would focus on pressing needs considering limited resources.
The Commissioner expressed satisfaction that most of the proposals from the zones align with the Nine-Point Smart Agenda of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration. He also thanked the Governor for his consistent support in driving people-centered policies.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Muhammad Jabbi Shagari, said the exercise was aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in public resource management. He added that the participatory approach would make the 2026 budget more responsive to citizens’ aspirations.
Similarly, the House Leader and member representing Gwadabawa South, Alhaji Bello Idris, commended the government’s foresight, describing the meetings as a demonstration of its dedication to inclusive and transparent governance.
The State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal, hailed the initiative as a significant step toward empowering citizens to identify and prioritize their community needs.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the District Heads of Shuni, Gagi, and Gwadabawa commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his visionary leadership and reaffirmed the traditional institution’s support for the government’s development agenda.
The Executive Director of the Budget Advocacy Coalition, Comrade Rabi’u Auwal, who represented the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (Sokoto branch), said the engagement would deepen accountability and public participation in governance. He assured that civil society groups would continue to partner with the government and legislature to promote fiscal responsibility and transparency.
The meetings drew participants from local government councils, traditional and religious institutions, civil society, persons with disabilities, youth and women’s groups, and other community stakeholders.
