Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, has presented a N526.88 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. Dubbed the “Transformational and Infrastructural Budget,” the proposal underscores the government’s commitment to long-term development.

The budget allocates N176.3 billion for recurrent expenditure and N349.4 billion for capital projects, with the latter constituting 66% of the total budget. Aliyu emphasized that the education sector would receive the largest share, approximately 25%, followed by allocations for health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Highlighting the recurrent costs, the governor explained that 44% of the budget would cover expenses such as the newly introduced minimum wage of N70,000 for state workers, pension payments, and other government overheads. He assured civil servants that the new wage would be implemented in January 2025.

Governor Aliyu also stated that the administration has not borrowed from financial institutions to finance any projects, affirming that the state is not in debt to contractors.

While acknowledging ongoing security challenges in certain areas, Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic growth and security, stressing the need for collaboration between security forces, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to address the issues.