In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and effectiveness in public financial management, the Sokoto State Government has commenced a five-day intensive training workshop on Programme-Based Budgeting, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The training, currently underway at Jamvaley Hotel and Resort in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, is organized by the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. It marks a strategic shift from traditional line-item budgeting to a programme-based approach, which emphasizes results-driven spending and accountability.
Declaring the workshop open, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, acknowledged the support of Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for his leadership and commitment to advancing the state’s development agenda.
“We are grateful to Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for his unwavering support. This workshop signifies a new era for Sokoto State’s budgeting process and is in alignment with the State Fiscal Transparency Accountability (SFTA) framework,” Dr. Zayyana said.
The Commissioner also lauded UNICEF for its ongoing support to the state, especially in initiatives that target vulnerable groups such as women and children. He stressed that the transition to programme-based budgeting would help ensure that government spending delivers measurable results and directly impacts the lives of citizens.
According to Dr. Zayyana, the training is a foundational step in the preparation of Sokoto State’s 2026 annual budget, and will contribute to the development of a practical and results-oriented budgeting framework.
The workshop brings together key stakeholders, including officials from UNICEF, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya Maryam Ahmad Barade, directors from the ministry, and other development partners. Participants will work collaboratively to develop a reference document to guide future planning and budget implementation in the state.
The initiative underscores Sokoto State’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and improved service delivery, particularly in sectors that affect the most vulnerable populations.
