The Sokoto State Government has commenced the process of developing a Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) for 2026–2028, covering Health, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Social Protection.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Mohammad Zayyana, at a Training Workshop organized by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF, tasked Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt a scientific and realistic approach in designing their budgets for the good of the state.
Dr. Zayyana emphasized that MDAs must base their budgets on well-defined programs and activities that align with the government’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda, stressing that ambiguous or poorly planned budgets will no longer be tolerated. He noted that “weak and ambitious planning always leads to failure,” urging MDAs to embrace teamwork and program-based budgeting to achieve tangible results.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar Wurno, directed the Directors of Planning within his ministry and its agencies to make accurate projections in line with objectives and programs. He cautioned that budget proposals not aligned with the ministry’s priorities would be rejected.
In his remarks, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, Mr. Micheal Juma, represented by Social Policy Specialist, Isah Ibrahim, commended the government’s commitment to transitioning from traditional budgeting to program-based budgeting—a reform supported by UNICEF in nine states. He called for greater financial investment in the social sectors to address persistent challenges of multidimensional and monetary poverty affecting development across Nigeria.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Maryam Ahmad Barade, explained that although social protection is a multi-sectoral area, it had not previously developed an MTSS. She added that its inclusion this year reflects the government’s development priorities and underscores the positive outcomes of the partnership with UNICEF.
The Sokoto State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development through evidence-based planning and budgeting that prioritizes social sectors.
