Sokoto State to Hold Budget Meetings in Local Areas for 2027 Planning

The Sokoto State Government is set to expand its town hall meetings for the 2027 budget to local government areas. This move aims to allow residents to share their needs directly with the government.

Dr. Bashir Muhammad Achida, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, announced this during the launch of the 2027 Zonal Budget Discussion in Bodinga Local Government Area. He emphasized that this initiative reflects Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to inclusive governance, where citizens can influence government priorities and development projects.

Achida noted that last year’s consultations had positive outcomes. Many community requests were included in the 2026 budget and were either completed or nearly finished by the end of the fiscal year. He encouraged participants to make meaningful suggestions that could enhance the living conditions in the state.

Tukur Bala Bodinga, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, praised the budget town hall meetings as vital for addressing the needs of constituents. He assured support from the legislature for the timely review of the proposed 2027 budget.

Buhari Umar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, highlighted the importance of citizen involvement in the budget process for promoting transparency and public ownership of government initiatives. He promised that the feedback from these meetings would be crucial in shaping the 2027 budget.

Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Sokoto, described the town hall meetings as a valuable chance for citizens to express their development priorities. He urged attendees to focus on projects that would meet their communities’ urgent needs.

The Sultan of Sokoto, represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Sa’idu, expressed traditional leaders’ support for government efforts to enhance public welfare. Various stakeholders, including youth, women’s groups, and representatives of persons with disabilities, participated in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of addressing local development priorities.