As part of its resolve to ensure citizens’ participation in the budget process, the Sokoto State government has organised zonal town hall meetings for the 2026 budget in three senatorial districts of the state.
The town hall meetings were attended by local council chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, politicians, people living with disabilities, as well as youth and women’s groups, among others.
In a statement on Friday, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana,
disclosed that the zonal town hall meetings were held in Tambuwal, Tangaza and Gwadabawa local councils of the state.
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.
Zayyana explained that the budget is an estimation of government income and expenditures, depending on revenue generation, saying consideration would 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-point Smart Agenda of the Governor Ahmad Aliyu administration.
He thanked the governor for the support and encouragement given to his ministry to diligently justify its mandate.
In his address, the Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Jabbi Shagari, an engineer, reiterated that the essence of the meeting was to ensure the 2026 budget reflects the needs and aspirations of citizens as well as to promote justice and fairness in fast-tracking the development of the state.
Also, the Leader of the state House of Assembly and member representing Gwadabawa South, Alhaji Bello Idris, acknowledged the foresight of the state government in organising the meetings in the senatorial zones.
Idris stated 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 honour to citizens at the grassroots level and charged them to present priority needs of their communities for reflection in next year’s budget.
In a goodwill message, Sultan Muhammad Abubakar, represented by the District Heads of Shuni, Gagi and Gwadabawa, commended the exemplary leadership style of the governor, reiterating traditional rulers’ support and cooperation with the government in its quest to develop the state in all sectors.
The state Executive Director of Budget Advocacy Coalition, representing the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, Sokoto State branch, Rabi’u Auwal, also noted that the approach would foster a sense of ownership and serve as an avenue for direct engagement with citizens.
