Sokoto State, located in Nigeria’s northwestern region, is charting a bold new path in 2025 with a highly ambitious and transformative budget. Under the leadership of Governor Ahmad Aliyu, the state has launched the “Budget of Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability,” reflecting a firm commitment to improving the lives of its citizens while stimulating broad-based development. The proposed 2025 fiscal plan totals ₦526.88 billion, an unprecedented move that signals a comprehensive development vision across all sectors.
This blog post explores everything about Sokoto State’s 2025 budget allocation—from capital and recurrent expenditure to sector-specific investments and the government’s strategies for ensuring transparency, accountability, and value-driven governance.
Overview of the Sokoto State 2025 Budget
Governor Ahmad Aliyu presented the ₦526.88 billion budget before the State House of Assembly with the theme: “Budget of Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability.” This theme underscores the administration’s goal to overhaul the state's economy, provide world-class infrastructure, and uplift social standards through strategic investment in education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Key Budgetary Figures:
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Total Budget: ₦526.88 billion
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Capital Expenditure: ₦349.39 billion (66%)
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Recurrent Expenditure: ₦176.30 billion (34%)
This two-thirds capital allocation illustrates the administration's development-oriented strategy, emphasizing long-term infrastructural projects over short-term administrative costs.
Key Areas of Allocation
1. Infrastructure Development – A Major Priority
With ₦152.27 billion earmarked for infrastructure, Sokoto State is addressing years of infrastructural deficit. The budget prioritizes major projects designed to modernize the state’s urban and rural areas.
Highlights include:
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Construction of over 30 new township roads, with 40 more at various completion stages.
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Completion and rehabilitation of government buildings and drainage systems.
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Expansion of electricity to rural communities; eight previously off-grid LGAs were recently reconnected.
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Completion of the state’s Independent Power Project (IPP), expected to boost power supply and attract investors.
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Development of mass housing projects, including 1,000 housing units in Gidan Salanke and Wajake, and acquisition of 137 units in Kwannawa.
These infrastructure investments are expected to enhance the ease of doing business, promote mobility, and attract domestic and foreign investors.
2. Education – Nurturing the Next Generation
Education receives a generous 25% of the total allocation, aligning with the administration’s vision to build a knowledge-based economy.
Planned Initiatives:
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Rehabilitation of dilapidated primary and secondary schools across all 23 LGAs.
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Provision of learning materials and modern classrooms.
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Hiring of qualified teachers to address shortages and improve learning quality.
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Scholarships and educational support for students in tertiary institutions.
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Equipping technical colleges and expanding vocational training to reduce unemployment.
Sokoto State is focused on creating an inclusive education system that ensures no child is left behind.
3. Healthcare – Ensuring a Healthier Sokoto
The 2025 budget allocates 16% of its total to healthcare—approximately ₦84.3 billion—aiming to improve access, quality, and sustainability of health services.
Key Projects Include:
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Renovation of 244 Primary Healthcare Centers across the state’s wards.
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Acquisition of ambulances to improve emergency response.
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Construction of new diagnostic centers and equipping hospitals with modern technology.
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Continuous support for the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA).
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Widespread immunization and maternal-child health programs.
This robust health agenda is designed to reduce mortality rates, increase life expectancy, and provide affordable healthcare to the underserved.
4. Agriculture – Driving Food Security and Employment
Despite its lower financial allocation, agriculture remains central to the state’s growth strategy. Sokoto is enhancing the agricultural value chain through several key interventions.
Agricultural Initiatives:
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Distribution of subsidized fertilizers, herbicides, and seedlings.
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Rehabilitation of key irrigation facilities like Lugu and Kware dams.
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Introduction of mechanized farming to increase productivity.
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Establishment of agro-processing centers to reduce post-harvest losses.
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Partnership with private agribusinesses and cooperatives to enhance rural incomes.
These initiatives aim to position Sokoto as a regional food basket, improving food security and creating jobs, particularly for youths and women.
5. Social Welfare and Security
The state government also allocated funds to tackle poverty and insecurity through social safety nets and security reforms.
Programs include:
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Establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps with fully equipped patrol vehicles and motorbikes to curb rural banditry.
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Monthly stipends and support for religious leaders and institutions to promote social harmony.
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Distribution of buses, motorcycles, and tricycles as part of transportation palliatives to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
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Free uniforms and instructional materials for over 9,000 almajiri children integrated into formal schools.
These efforts reflect a people-centered approach focused on inclusion and protection of vulnerable groups.
Revenue Sources and Financial Strategy
To fund the ₦526.88 billion budget, Sokoto State plans a multi-pronged approach that avoids reckless borrowing and emphasizes sustainability.
Projected Revenue Streams:
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Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Expansion of the tax base through technology and improved collection systems.
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Statutory Allocations from the Federation Account.
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Grants and Donor Support: Partnerships with international agencies and NGOs.
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Strategic Loans: Only for revenue-generating or self-liquidating capital projects.
The government’s financial team has pledged transparency, stating that debt sustainability and fiscal discipline will guide all funding activities.
Monitoring and Accountability
Governor Aliyu emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and results-based budgeting.
Strategies for Effective Budget Implementation:
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Performance-based reviews to track project milestones.
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Citizen engagement through town hall meetings and online feedback portals.
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Use of digital dashboards for real-time tracking of government expenditures.
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Collaboration with the Sokoto State House of Assembly and civil society organizations for independent monitoring.
By strengthening governance structures, Sokoto is ensuring that every naira spent translates into tangible development.
Expected Impact on Citizens
If properly implemented, the 2025 budget will have far-reaching effects on the average Sokoto citizen. The benefits include:
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Better road connectivity and reduced travel times.
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Improved quality of education and better-trained students.
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Accessible and affordable healthcare services.
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More employment opportunities through vocational programs and agribusiness.
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Increased power supply for domestic and industrial use.
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Stronger security in both urban and rural communities.
These changes are expected to improve living standards, reduce poverty, and increase public trust in the government.
Conclusion
The 2025 Sokoto State budget is a landmark fiscal document aimed at reshaping the state’s economic and social environment. Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration has shown a clear intent to prioritize people-centered development, anchored on infrastructure renewal, human capital development, and prudent financial management.
By allocating over 66% of the budget to capital projects and ensuring wide sectoral coverage, the government is laying a strong foundation for a more prosperous Sokoto. The success of this budget, however, hinges on efficient implementation, transparency, and the active involvement of all stakeholders.
As the year progresses, all eyes will be on Sokoto to deliver on the promises made in this historic budget—ushering in a new era of growth, peace, and prosperity for its over five million residents.
