The Sokoto State House of Assembly has approved the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2026–2028, following an extensive deliberation during its plenary on Friday.

Lawmakers, led by Speaker Tukur Bala, unanimously endorsed the document after a voice vote, paving the way for the expected presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

Earlier, the assembly suspended Order 4, Rule 3, Sub-Rule 2 of its 2019 Standing Orders, which restricts Mondays and Fridays only for committee meetings to enable thorough consideration of the MTEF and preparations ahead of the budget presentation.

House Majority Leader Bello Idris (APC–Gwadabawa North), who moved the motion, stated that the framework was submitted in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Law of Sokoto State, 2019.

 He explained that the MTEF provides macroeconomic projections, revenue estimates and expenditure plans that will guide the state’s financial operations for the next three years.

 Mr Idris said, “The framework provides macroeconomic projections and analysis to guide aggregate revenue and expenditure for the years under reference for ease of implementation.”

“These projections and the fiscal strategy set out all revenue and expenditure estimates for each year, which will guide effective implementation based on defined objectives and developmental priorities.”

Mr Idris also requested the suspension of Order 15, Rule 12, Sub-Rule 1 to allow the governor and his entourage access to the chamber for the formal presentation of the 2026 budget proposal. 

(NAN)