Sokoto Moves Funds From Dormant Projects to Priority Sectors in 2025 Budget Review

The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved a technical amendment to the 2025 budget by reallocating ₦38.81 billion from under-utilised projects to priority sectors to strengthen implementation and improve performance.

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr. Abubakar Zayanna, disclosed the development after the council meeting on Tuesday.

He explained that the adjustment was necessary to align the state’s fiscal plan with realistic revenue performance and emerging needs without altering the overall ₦526.88 billion budget size earlier approved.

According to Zayanna, the review focused on non-discretionary capital receipts that were unlikely to materialise.

Their corresponding expenditure lines were removed, while additional resources were directed to areas with stronger revenue outturns.

“All we did was move funds from one code to another. This will help us achieve between 70 and 80 percent budget performance by year-end,” he stated.

The commissioner added that the revised framework ensures every allocation works for the state in the remaining months of the year.

He stressed that the approach prevents funds from being tied to dormant or unrealistic projects while urgent priorities are left underfunded.

In addition to the reallocation, the council also approved the reconstruction and rehabilitation of key sections of Ali-Akilu Road and Abdullahi Podi Road, both of which were damaged by flooding.

The projects are expected to ease water flow, reduce environmental hazards, and provide relief to affected communities.

The amended budget will be forwarded to the Sokoto State House of Assembly for legislative approval before implementation. Once passed, it will become a legal instrument guiding fiscal operations for the remainder of 2025.

The state government maintains that the review reflects its commitment to intentional and transparent budgeting, aimed at maximising available resources while addressing urgent infrastructure and social needs.