Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has overseen significant reforms and infrastructure development since assuming office nearly three years ago, according to Information Commissioner Alhaji Sambo Bello Danchadi. The administration's 9-Point Smart Agenda has guided interventions in security, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment. Over ₦4 billion was immediately released to address a backlog of unpaid gratuities for retired and deceased civil servants, with ₦500 million allocated monthly to clear the remaining ₦14 billion debt and ₦300 million set aside monthly to prevent future arrears. The state has implemented the ₦70,000 minimum wage for all state and local government workers, including primary school teachers.
More than 1,175 new classrooms have been constructed and over 1,000 rehabilitated, with major upgrades to schools like Nagarta College and Government Girls' College Sokoto. Debts to tertiary institutions were cleared, and students affected by the Ukraine crisis were relocated to Nigerian universities. The administration conducted a mid-term review of its 9-Point Smart Agenda to align immediate actions with long-term goals. Over 70% of the 2026 budget is allocated to capital projects, with a strict policy against borrowing.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu's release of ₦4 billion toward unpaid gratuities and structured repayment plan signals a break from past neglect. His background as a financial expert appears to be shaping a fiscally disciplined administration that prioritizes兑现 on promises. For Sokoto residents, this suggests a government that may be delivering tangible improvements in public trust and service delivery. However, sustained follow-through beyond 2026 remains the real test of legacy.
