The Sokoto State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that have been asked to correct and resubmit their 2026 proposed budgets following bilateral discussions with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning have been charged to do so immediately.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, made this charge at the end of the budget discussion held at the Ministry.
He said this would enable the Ministry to move to the next process, which is the consolidation of the entire MDAs’ proposals.
Dr. Abubakar Zayyana noted that this is necessary to have a clear picture of the total 2026 budget for the state, including overhead, recurrent, and capital expenditures.
According to him, the aim of the discussion was to deliberate with the officials of the MDAs on their proposals to come up with a well-focused and realistic budget that aligns with the smart-point agenda of the Dr. Ahmad Aliyu-led administration.
He added that the views and aspirations of citizens would also be considered in the budget document before it is presented to the State Executive Council for approval and then to the State House of Assembly for the legislative process.
The Commissioner described the participation of the heads of the MDAs in the budget discussion, especially the way the State Head of Service and some Commissioners personally led their teams of officials, as highly motivating and encouraging.
Earlier, after presenting the proposed budget, the Head of Service, Alhaji Sulaiman S/Fulani, expressed his excitement with the commitment and innovations brought by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for a realistic and scientific budget for the state.
He described the discussion between his team and officials of the Ministry as robust and fruitful, which would add value to his office’s budget.
Also speaking, some Commissioners who presented their budget proposals, including the Commissioner of Finance, Engineer Muhammad Jabbi Shagari, and the Commissioner of Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho (represented by Permanent Secretary Engineer Ahmad Moyi Tambuwal), appreciated the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for providing proper guidance on scientific and realistic budgeting within their allocated budget envelopes.
Dr. Bashir Muhammad Achida, the Economic Advisor, who also presented his office’s proposal, said the discussion had clearly demonstrated that the Ministry of Budget is up and doing in justifying its responsibility of ensuring proper planning and budgeting in line with the government’s agenda and policies for the well-being of citizens.
The Economic Adviser gave a pass mark to the Budget Commissioner and his team and expressed hope that the desired goal would be achieved.
Other MDAs that appeared on the final day for discussion included the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Internal Revenue Service, the Local Government Service Commission, the Careers and Security Service Department, SDGs, the State Judicial Service Commission, and the State Liaison Office, Abuja, among others.
