By Ismail Umar, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved the virement of over ₦520 billion in the 2025 budget at its 12th regular meeting.
This strategic move aims to support key infrastructure projects, essential services, and operational efficiency without increasing the overall budget.
According to the Commissioner of Water Resources, Mr Aminu Abdullahi Iya, the reallocated funds will focus on capital projects with a direct impact on the citizenry.
“Our budget performance as of now stands at 75 per cent, which is the first of its kind in the history of the state,” he stated during a briefing chaired by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Alhaji Sambo Bello Danchadi.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Bello, said the council approved contracts for several key projects, including the procurement of workshop equipment for the maintenance of Sokoto State Mass Transit buses for ₦75.25 million, as well as the purchase of operational vehicles for the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Ministry of Finance.
Also speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ladan Ahmad Ala, said the council approved ₦930 million for the purchase of 15,000 modern desks and chairs for basic and secondary schools, covering 1,000 classes with 45 students each.
He emphasised that this initiative will enhance the learning environment and improve the overall quality of education in the state.
Professor Ladan Ahmad Ala noted that the initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens and contribute to the state’s overall educational development.