The Sokoto State House of Assembly has pledged to conduct all proper legislative processes for the passage and successful implementation of the 2026 State budget.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Alhaji Tukur Bala Bodinga, gave the assurance while declaring open a 2-day sensitization and Programme-Based Budgeting (PBB) Training Workshop in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
It was organized by the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the UNICEF-EU SUSI Project.
The Speaker who was represented by the House Leader, Alhaji Bello Idris, stated that the appropriation law is the most critical law in any legislature worldwide, explaining that the members of the State House of Assembly are fully prepared for the best legislative process for the approval and passage of the 2026 budget.
He revealed that the House of Assembly would soon review the 2025 State budget before the presentation of the 2026 appropriation bill, by the State Governor.
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For his part, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, stated that y Programme-Based Budgeting, is a new approach focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability with public resources.
He emphasized that it encompasses input, output, and outcomes for the benefit of the State’s citizens.
Dr. Zayyana praised UNICEF for its initiative and support in helping the State to achieve its lofty goals.
He also acknowledged the support from the State Governor and pledged the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) design their 2026 budgets in accordance with Medium Term Expenditure Framework and aligned with the State Governor’s Smart points agenda.
The Head of UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, Dr. Mikel Juma, explained that Programme-Based Budgeting was initiated and worked on in 3 States last year, and has now been extended to 3 more States.
He emphasized that the aim is to support their transitions from traditional to Programme-Based Budgeting, which will provide clear results on the spending of government resources.
Dr. Juma who was represented by UNICEF Social Policy Specialist Malam Isah Abdullahi, expressed happiness with the increase in the State Budget allocation to the Social sector, and called for the actual utilisation of the resources, so as to achieve the desired outcomes.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
