…Charges MDAs to Align with State Priorities

The Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has commenced budget discussions and review for the 2027 fiscal year with Ministries, Departments, and other government Agencies.

While declaring the budget discussion session open, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Bashir Muhammad Achida, affirmed that the ministry will ensure the production of a budget that is based on accurate data and verifiable evidence.

Under the arrangements, all MDAs in the state are expected to submit their 2027 budget proposals to the ministry for critical analysis and deliberation to reach a consensus.

He emphasised that submissions must be based on the MDAs’ mandates and aligned with the state’s economic priorities.

Achida also charged MDAs to stay within approved expenditure ceilings, provide clear and specific descriptions of all budget lines, and ensure that their proposals align with the 9-Point SMART Agenda of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

Dr Achida further harped on the need for MDAs to cut waste, eliminate duplicative projects, and focus resources on areas with the greatest impact on citizens.

He also stressed that existing projects must be reviewed based on performance, while new projects should be properly prioritised.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability, value for money, and results-driven spending in the 2027 Budget.

Achida stated that the theme for this year’s deliberation is “Strengthening Budget Discipline, Clarity and Alignment with Government Priorities”.

According to him, the aim is to ensure MDAs desist from providing fake or unclear data in the presentation of 2027 budget proposals.

He noted that the ministry aims to achieve greater clarity in headings and sub-headings in the budgeting process.

He further emphasised the need for discipline to ensure that these priorities align with the priorities of the government.

Generally, the essence of this year’s budget is to ensure that the results are impactful and that government expenditure reflects tangible outcomes for the public good.

“A good budget is not only about how much is allocated, but also about clearly explaining what the money is intended to achieve,” he said.

The 2027 budget must have the financial instruments for implementing the policies and priorities of the government. Hence, MDAs should ensure that their proposed programmes and projects are directly linked to the government’s 9-Point SMART Agenda and other approved development priorities.

Budget proposals should demonstrate clear connections between government priorities, programmes and activities, outputs, and expected outcomes.

MDAs should avoid proposing budgets simply because the items appeared in previous budgets. Existing projects should be reviewed based on their relevance, performance, completion status, and contribution to government priorities.

He further said new projects should be subjected to proper prioritisation to ensure that scarce public resources are directed toward interventions with the highest developmental impact.

Ministries of Skills Acquisition, Agriculture, and Livestock & Fisheries and their parastatals were among the first to present their 2026 performance and 2027 plans.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Animal Health and Fisheries, Alhaji Almustapha Abubakar Alkali, while deliberating on his ministry’s 2027 proposed budget, noted that the ministry was able to get 45 to 50 per cent of its 2026 budget released.

He assured that, just as in 2027, the ministry will receive more of its releases and emphasised that the agricultural sector is going to receive a lot and will deliver much to teaming farmers and perform beyond expectations.

He explained that the people of Sokoto should expect much, going by the present directive, as the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Development has come up with guidelines requiring MDAs to describe how they will implement their budget proposals before funds are allocated.

He appreciated the efforts of the State Ministry of Budget and recommended that all ministries, parastatals, and agencies should provide detailed budget proposals that contain clear narrations and realities.

He disclosed that the state is prioritising agriculture, noting that the government has recently procured 250 tractors for onward distribution to farmers across the state.

He further stated that this is in addition to the 100 tractors allocated to Sokoto State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to supplement Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s efforts toward boosting the farming sector.

According to him, the 350 tractors will be leased out to people for farming activities within the state.

Please follow and like us: