By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
Sokoto State House of Assembly has approved the 2026 budget estimates for all 23 local government councils in the state following the consideration of a report presented by its Joint House Committee on Local Government and Community Development and the Committee on Finance and Appropriation.
The report was presented during plenary by the Chairman of the Committee, Sa’idu Naino Ibrahim, who outlined the recommendations and budgetary provisions for the councils.
Following deliberations by lawmakers, the Assembly unanimously approved the proposed estimates, describing the move as a step toward strengthening grassroots development and improving the delivery of essential services across the state.
According to the approved allocations, Tambuwal Local Government received over N8.4 billion, while Kware and Binji Local Government Councils were allocated more than N7.3 billion and N7.0 billion respectively for the 2026 fiscal year.
Other councils, including Dange Shuni, Sabon Birni, Gada, Sokoto North and Sokoto South, also secured multi billion Naira budget approvals aimed at enhancing development projects and public service delivery in their respective areas.
The Assembly also adopted a number of recommendations intended to improve financial management within the local government system.
Lawmakers directed the councils to intensify efforts toward raking in more internally generated revenue and ensure strict compliance with the Sokoto State Revenue Integration and Consolidation Law of 2019.
The House further stressed the need for improved financial record-keeping and the adoption of electronic documentation systems to promote accountability and transparency in local government administration.
In addition, the Assembly recommended regular training for planning and finance officers on the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to strengthen future budget preparation and financial reporting processes across the councils.
