Governor Ahmed Aliyu has presented a ₦758.7 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the Sokoto State House of Assembly, outlining plans to strengthen security, expand social services and drive economic growth.
The proposal, tagged the Budget of Socio-Economic Expansion, comes amid persistent security concerns, rising living costs and increasing demand for infrastructure across the state.
Addressing lawmakers on Wednesday, Aliyu said the budget was developed through a citizen-driven process, following town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts where residents from all local government areas contributed to the planning.
He said the proposed budget stands at ₦758.7 billion, with projected revenue comprising ₦389.3 billion from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), ₦74.5 billion from internally generated revenue, and ₦233.8 billion from grants and capital development funds.
Under the expenditure framework, ₦551.4 billion, representing 72 per cent of the total outlay, is earmarked for capital projects, while ₦207.2 billion, or 28 per cent, is allocated to recurrent expenditure.
Security received over ₦45.2 billion for the procurement of equipment, patrol vehicles and logistics to support efforts against banditry and violent crime. The health sector was allocated ₦122.7 billion, exceeding the Abuja Declaration benchmark, with funds set aside for major hospitals, ambulances and medical equipment.
Education was allocated ₦115.9 billion, while ₦109.1 billion was proposed for works and transportation, including road construction and public transport improvements. Other allocations include water resources, agriculture, religious affairs, and humanitarian and youth empowerment programmes.
Aliyu said the economic sector accounts for 41 per cent of the budget, followed by the social sector at 37 per cent, reflecting the administration’s focus on growth and welfare.
He added that the proposal builds on improved fiscal performance in 2025, during which the state achieved over 65 per cent budget implementation without borrowing, stressing that Sokoto remains debt-free with no outstanding contractor liabilities.
The House of Assembly is expected to begin legislative scrutiny of the proposal in the coming weeks.