SOKOTO, NIGERIA – The Sokoto State Government has announced a substantial investment in infrastructure development, approving a total of N32.18 billion for various projects across the state. These significant allocations, decided during the ninth regular meeting of the State Executive Council for 2026, chaired by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, are aimed at enhancing road networks, improving water supply, and upgrading facilities in the health and education sectors.
Major Road Infrastructure Development
A substantial portion of the approved funds is dedicated to critical road infrastructure. The council has sanctioned N10.96 billion for the construction of eleven clusters of roads, along with reinforced concrete drains and outfall drains, specifically in the Arkilla Federal and State Low-Cost areas of Sokoto metropolis. This project aims to significantly improve urban connectivity and drainage systems within the capital.
Further approvals include N8.54 billion for the construction of a dual carriageway. This key road will link Tsehen Masu through New City Kwasai to the old airport runway, promising to ease traffic congestion and improve access to vital areas. Additionally, N1.78 billion has been designated for several other road projects:
- Roads branching off Kaduna Road.
- Roads branching off Tsafe Road.
- A cluster of roads within the Guiwa area.
- The rehabilitation of Bunza Road, crucial for regional connectivity.
Advancements in Water and General Infrastructure
In a bid to address water scarcity and improve public access to clean water, the government has approved N7.84 billion for the construction of 200 fully equipped, semi-urban solar-powered boreholes. These boreholes will be strategically distributed across all 23 local government areas of the state, providing sustainable water solutions to numerous communities. Furthermore, N249.4 million has been approved for the procurement of essential borehole drilling materials, submersible pumps, and accessories necessary for the ongoing maintenance of rural water schemes.
Other general infrastructure approvals include N178.3 million for the construction of an office complex and three commercial shops for Caliphate Air Limited at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, aiming to boost local aviation services. An additional N84.37 million has been allocated for the procurement of operational gadgets, specifically to enhance the protection of government infrastructure across the state.
Significant Investments in Health and Education
The health sector is set to receive a notable boost with several approved projects:
- N377.9 million for the comprehensive renovation of Tureta General Hospital.
- N302.8 million for the renovation of Rabah General Hospital.
- N383.3 million for the re-award and completion of the General Hospital in Dange town, ensuring vital medical facilities become fully operational.
- N61.95 million for the renovation of Badon Barade Primary Health Centre.
- N62.71 million for the renovation of the Primary Health Centre in Alu Quarters, Mana area, which also includes the construction of a new perimeter fence.
The education sector will also see substantial upgrades. N492.4 million has been approved for the renovation of the collapsed and dilapidated hall at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, crucial for student infrastructure. Additionally, N99.93 million is earmarked for the procurement of teaching and learning equipment at Shehu Shagari University of Education, and N911.59 million for the extensive renovation of Government Girls Commercial Secondary School, Tambuwal.
Religious Affairs and Community Facilities
In the realm of religious affairs, the government has approved several projects aimed at renovating and constructing mosques:
- N106.37 million for the renovation of the central mosque at Shehu Shagari College of Education.
- N694.72 million for additional works required to complete the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Jumu’at Mosque in Guiwa.
- N243.09 million for the renovation of Tangaza Central Jumu’at Mosque.
- N405.07 million for the remodelling of the Jumu’at Mosque at the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 10, in Marina, which also includes the construction of an imam’s residence.
- N160.63 million for the renovation and completion of Izala Jumu’at Mosque in Isa.
These approvals underscore the Sokoto State Government's commitment to holistic development, aiming to improve the quality of life, access to essential services, and the overall infrastructure for its citizens.