Bashir Achida, the Sokoto commissioner for budget and economic planning, has charged ministries, departments and agencies to ensure realistic and transformative 2027 budgeting processes in line with the present administration’s policies and vision.

Mr Achida made the charge while leading deliberations on the 2027 budget proposals from MDAs on Monday in Sokoto.

He restated the need for MDAs to cut waste, eliminate duplicative projects, and focus resources on areas with the greatest impact on citizens.

He stressed that existing projects must be reviewed based on performance, while new projects should be prioritised.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability, value for money, and results-driven spending in the 2027 budget.

According to him, the exercise centres on ensuring that MDAs stay within approved expenditure ceilings, provide clear and specific descriptions of all budget lines, and align all projects with Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s nine-point SMART Agenda.

He added that the processes aligned with previous budget audit outcomes to streamline effectiveness and benefits to citizens.

Mr Achida highlighted the need for MDAs to liaise with the state’s revenue agency to harmonise revenue collection platforms, enhance targeted areas, and ensure transparent dealings to harness the state’s real revenue potential.

Presenting a proposal, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Alkali Al-Mustapha, said the priority was to promote productive agricultural models for food security, job creation and socioeconomic development in the state.

Mr Al-Mustapha said the state procured no fewer than 350 standard tractors and equipment, and distributed seedlings, fertilisers, chemicals, and other inputs free as incentives to motivate farmers across the state.

He said Mr Aliyu decided to distribute the items free in recognition of the state government’s position and commitment to citizens’ economic well-being, to enhance productive engagement, especially in the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of economic rejuvenation.

The permanent secretary for the Ministry of Skills Acquisition and Development, Arzika Bidinga, said the ministry designed skills empowerment training for 10,000 youths with start-up grants in the 2027 budget.

Mr Bidinga said the ministry also planned to collaborate with other state and federal government MDAs, along with non-governmental organisations, to implement the skills empowerment training programmes.

In his presentation, Bello Wamakko, the commissioner for livestock development, said priority was accorded to modern breeding and insemination processes for economic empowerment and increased internally generated revenue for the state.

The sitting featured scrutiny and deliberations on each budgeted proposal defended by directors and heads of units.

(NAN)