Transforming Sokoto: Gov. Aliyu’s Vision For 2025
By Abdulaziz Saleh
Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has once again set a bold course for the future with the presentation of the 2025 appropriation bill amounting to ₦526.8 billion. Tagged the “Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability Budget”, the proposal builds on the remarkable strides his administration has made over the past year, signaling a commitment to sustained growth, development, and improved quality of life for the people of the Seat of the caliphate state.
Governor Aliyu’s budget proposal allocates ₦349.4 billion to capital expenditure and ₦176.3 billion to recurrent expenditure indicating a focus on capital development, economic transformation, and social well-being. This significant allocation underscores the Governor’s dedication to making Sokoto a beacon of development in Nigeria.
This hardly comes as a surprise considering that, in the year under review, Governor Aliyu clearly demonstrated his resolve to deliver on his Nine-Point Smart Agenda, that will transform Sokoto State into a hub of progress and development. Since coming to office, his administration’s strategic interventions have spanned infrastructure, security, social welfare, and religious harmony. Unsurprisingly, these achievements now serve as a launchpad for the ambitious goals captured in the 2025 budget.
To put things in their proper perspective, it is pertinent to take a drive round areas of Governor Aliyu’s impact so far starting with security. Recognising the importance of security in fostering development, Governor Aliyu’s administration took significant steps to address the challenges of banditry and insecurity in the state. Understanding the importance of collaboration with federal forces, he procured and distributed over 130 patrol vehicles to security agencies, while a Community Guard Corps was established to strengthen grassroots security efforts. The provision of 40 patrol vehicles, 700 motorcycles, and office accommodations for the corps underscores the administration’s proactive approach to ensuring peace and stability.
These measures have not only enhanced the operational capacity of security agencies but have also created a sense of safety among residents. The Governor has made it clear that these initiatives are geared towards paving the way for uninterrupted economic and social activities. The efforts are already bearing fruits.
On the Infrastructure – Roads and Housing for Development front, the Governor Aliyu administration made no secret of prioritising infrastructure development in 2024, a focus that remains central to the 2025 budget. Over 30 township roads were constructed and commissioned, while an additional 40 projects are nearing completion. These road networks have improved connectivity, facilitated trade, and boosted the local economy.
In the housing sector, Governor Aliyu launched the construction of 1,000 housing units in Gidan Salanke and Wajake, alongside the acquisition of 137 housing units from the Federal Government in the Kwannawa area. These efforts aim to address the state’s housing deficit and improve living conditions for residents.
Governor Aliyu has also made remarkable strides promoting religious and social values. Specifically, in promoting Islamic affairs and addressing moral decadence in Sokoto State, the Governor aims to return the state to its era of Islam as the source of moral and value-based community living. The construction and renovation of mosques, coupled with the provision of boreholes, carpets, and solar systems, demonstrate this commitment to creating a conducive environment for worship.
The reintroduction of the State Hisbah Board, equipped with operational vehicles and office accommodations, reflects the administration’s resolve to combat social vices and uphold moral values. The introduction of monthly cash allocations to 87 Juma’at mosques, totaling ₦32 million, as well as food and cash assistance to imams and grassroots preachers, underscores the governor’s dedication to religious harmony and social welfare.
The 2025 Vision: Transformation and Sustainability clearly aims to build on these achievements. A peek into the 2025 appropriation bill will reveal that it clearly envisions a brighter future for Sokoto State. The “Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability Budget” aims to solidify the progress made so far and lay the groundwork for sustained development across all sectors.
With a staggering ₦349.4 billion allocated to capital expenditure, the 2025 budget’s focus on growth, emphasises projects that directly impact the lives of the people. Governor Aliyu has reiterated his commitment to infrastructural development, which includes completing ongoing road projects, expanding housing initiatives, and investing in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Yet, this focus on capital projects is not merely about building infrastructure; it is about creating opportunities, boosting the local economy, and enhancing the quality of life for all Sokoto residents.
Security: Deepening Peace and Stability
However, none of the above can happen in an atmosphere of fear. So, security remains a top priority in the 2025 budget. With plans to further equip security agencies and strengthen grassroots initiatives like the Community Guard Corps, the Governor has made it clear he won’t be resting on his oars. By building on the gains of 2024, the administration aims to ensure that Sokoto State remains safe and conducive for investment and development.
Social welfare – caring for the People has emerged one of Governor Aliyu’s priority areas. No surprises that the budget also prioritises social welfare programmes that address the needs of the vulnerable. From providing cash and food assistance to religious leaders and grassroots preachers to empowering local communities, Governor Aliyu’s administration is committed to fostering inclusivity and improving livelihoods.
Another card that Governor Aliyu has played to great effect is relying on religious harmony to strengthen faith and unity amongst the Sokoto people. This is headlined by allocations for the renovation and construction of mosques, alongside the provision of essential amenities. These emphasise the administration’s dedication to promoting religious harmony. These initiatives not only enhance spiritual well-being but also foster unity among the diverse communities in Sokoto State.
Governor Aliyu’s administration recognises that achieving these ambitious goals requires collaboration and support from all stakeholders. The governor has commended the cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, a partnership that has been instrumental in driving progress.
He has also called on the people of Sokoto to continue supporting his administration’s vision for a better state. By working together, the government and citizens can transform Sokoto into a model of development and prosperity.
In a nutshell, the 2025 budget reinforces Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s legacy of impact and a future of promise. His leadership since becoming the state is a testament to the power of visionary governance. His administration’s achievements in 2024 have laid a strong foundation for the transformative goals outlined in the 2025 budget. By focusing on infrastructural sustainability, social welfare, security, and religious harmony, the governor is positioning Sokoto State for a future of prosperity and growth.
As the “Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability Budget” takes effect, the people of Sokoto can look forward to a state that thrives on progress, unity, and shared values. Governor Aliyu’s unwavering commitment to his Nine-Point Smart Agenda positions Sokoto state as a beacon of hope and development in Nigeria.
Together, the people of Sokoto state who on whose behalf the Governor and his lieutenant have folded their sleeves for the challenging task of governance ahead must celebrate this journey of transformation and work with their governor towards realising his vision for a greater Sokoto State that Sakkwatawa will be proud.
Saleh, a public affairs analyst, he writes from Abuja
