The zonal town hall discussion for the 2026 budget in three Senatorial Districts was part of the present administration’s resolve for citizen participation in the state budget process. The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, disclosed this at the zonal town hall meeting across the three Senatorial Districts, held in Tambuwal, Tangaza and Gwadabawa Local Government Areas.
He stated that the sole aim was for the government to design its budget based on the real needs of citizens from the grassroots level. Dr. Abubakar Zayyana explained that the budget is an estimation of government income and expenditures, depending on revenue generation, saying consideration will be given to priority needs in view of higher demands and limited resources.
The Commissioner expressed delight that most of the needs presented by the people align with the nine smart points agenda of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration. He thanked the Governor for the support and encouragement given to his ministry to diligently justify its mandate.
In his address, State Commissioner of Finance Engineer Muhammad Jabbi Shagari highlited that the unprecedented opportunity intends to ensure the 2026 Budget reflects the needs and aspirations of citizens as well as to promote justice and fairness with the public resources for pass tracking the development of the state.
Speaking, the House Leader and member representing Gwadabawa South, Alhaji Bello Idris, have acknowledged the foresight of the state government in organizing the zonal town hall meeting in three senatorial zones. Alhaji Bello Idris opined that the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusive and transparent governance.
The State Chairman of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal, described the initiative as a great honor to citizens at the grassroots level and charged them to present priority needs of their communities for reflection in the next year’s budget.
In a goodwill message, Sultan Muhammad Abubakar, represented by the District Heads of Shuni, Gagi and Gwadabawa in each of the three zones, commended the exemplary leadership style of Governor Ahmad Aliyu and reiterated the traditional rulers’ support and cooperation to the government in its quest to develop the state in all sectors.
In his contributions, the State Executive Director of Budget Advocacy Coalition, representing the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, Sokoto State branch, Comrade Rabi’u Auwal, noted that the approach will foster a sense of ownership and serve as an avenue for direct engagement with citizens.
The CONS representative to this end, assured of their ready to continue to work work with Sokoto State Government, State House of Assembly and all relevant stakeholders to promote fiscal responsibility and transparency for the good of the state.
The town hall meeting was attended by local government chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, politicians, people living with disabilities, as well as youth and women’s groups among others