The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has commenced a two-day workshop aimed at developing the state’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the 2026–2028 fiscal period.
The workshop, taking place at Jamvalley Hotel and Resort in Birnin Kebbi, brings together key stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, and international partners to strengthen the state’s budgeting processes through evidence-based planning.
Declaring the session open, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Zayyana, emphasized the importance of data-driven fiscal management, stressing that the “analysis of macro and microeconomic variables is a prerequisite for scientific planning and budgeting.”
According to the Commissioner, realistic projections and sound budgeting are vital to the successful implementation of all government programs and policies.
He further identified gaps in the current planning framework that require urgent attention to align with Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s 9-point SMART development agenda.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Maryam Ahmad Barade, called on participants to actively contribute to the discussions to ensure a comprehensive and responsive expenditure framework.
She commended the State Governor for his unwavering support to the ministry and appreciated UNICEF’s consistent partnership in advancing development planning in the state.
Participants at the workshop include the State Statistician General, Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Internal Revenue Service, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, representatives from the State House of Assembly, State Auditor General’s office, Bureau of Public Procurement, and officials from the UNICEF Field Office in Sokoto.
The workshop is expected to produce a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework that will guide Sokoto State’s fiscal policy and expenditure planning for the next three years.
