Sokoto State Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Abubakar Zayanna has assured that the state is likely to achieve 70-80 percent budget performance by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
Dr Zayanna who made this disclosure after the State Executive Council approved 2025 budget amendment, however added that the amendment was geared towards improving implementation and addressing emerging priorities without increasing the overall budget size.
While submitting that the adjustment was necessary to ensure a more “realistic and intentional budgeting system” that aligns with public financial management provisions and stakeholder planning, Dr Zayanna said the approved amendment does not alter the ₦526.88 billion budget size earlier passed for 2025. Instead, funds totaling ₦38.81 billion were reallocated from under-utilized areas to critical sectors to boost performance.
“All we did was move funds from one code to another. We reviewed non-discretionary capital receipts that were unlikely to materialize, removed their corresponding expenditure lines, and increased allocations in areas where revenues over-performed.
“This will help us achieve 70–80 percent budget performance by year-end as the adjustment will ensure that every naira in the budget works for the state within the next few months. It is also intended to avoid a situation where funds remain tied to dormant projects while urgent priorities suffer”, Dr Zayanna clarified.
He also affirmed that the amended budget proposal will be transmitted to the State House of Assembly for legislative approval, after which it will become a legal instrument for implementation.
Conversely, in their concerted effort to ensure speedy development in the state, the Executive Council also approved the reconstruction and rehabilitation of key sections of Ali-Akilu and Abdullahi Jodi road to help tackle flood-related damage and allow the free flow of water in affected areas.
“These interventions will bring relief to residents and prevent further environmental and infrastructural challenges caused by the heavy rains, the Council noted.
