Sokoto govt approves multi-billion naira projects across education, transport, agriculture

The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved a series of major developmental projects cutting across education, transport, and agriculture, aimed at boosting human capital development, job creation, and infrastructural upgrade across the state.

The approvals were announced by commissioners on Wednesday during a post-council briefing held in Sokoto, where key ministries presented memoranda that were subsequently ratified by the Council under the leadership of Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Sambo Danchadi, disclosed that the council approved the furnishing of a new library, two science laboratories, and six classrooms aimed at enhancing science education across the state.

“The contract, awarded to Mes. Banda Nass of BBC Nigeria Limited, is valued at ₦122,937,000, with a three-month completion period. The contractor is expected to provide a bank guarantee and adhere strictly to the timeline without any variation.

Further elaborating on educational investments, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Abubakar Ala, said his ministry received approval for two key projects.

“The first is the renovation and rehabilitation of the Sokoto Education Resource Centre at a cost of ₦457,773,863.04. The contract was awarded to the contractor with a completion period of six months and a 30% mobilisation fee to be paid upon provision of a bank guarantee.

Professor Ala noted the significance of the centre, saying, “The facility produces learning materials like textbooks, chalk, file jackets, and also serves as a multipurpose hall, which will generate revenue and employment for the state.”

The second project involves the procurement of 230 sewing machines and 230 knitting machines to train 460 youths and women across all 23 local government areas.

“This project is a collaborative effort between the Sokoto State Government and UNICEF, aimed at empowering the youth and women through vocational training. The contract was awarded to MS Azura Nigeria Limited at the cost of ₦69 million, with a two-month timeline for delivery and training commencement”

Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tukur Alkali, revealed that the Council approved ₦1.87 billion for the procurement and subsidised distribution of assorted fertilizers, including Urea and NPK, to support farmers during the current farming season. The contract was awarded to Malam Alu Agro-Allied Company.

“In addition, Samadji Global Investment Limited was awarded a contract worth ₦96,995,000 for the supply of assorted seeds and agrochemicals to farmers across the state”

Alkali further announced the approval of ₦89,983,200 for the procurement of instructional materials to facilitate the accreditation of the College of Agriculture in Wurno Local Government Area.

He said the college, initiated during the Aliu Wamakko administration, had been left dormant but is now being revived under Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration to admit more students and train future agricultural experts.

“The governor directed us to ensure this institution does not die. With this intervention, we are hopeful of full accreditation and increased student enrollment,” Alkali said.

The state commissioner for Transport, Hon. Bala Mohammed Kokari, also disclosed that the council approved the landscaping and construction of continental wavelength works at the Sokoto State Transport Establishment (SSTE) located in Tasha Alu) in the metropolis.

The project, worth ₦261,026,211, was awarded to M.S.HQ Solution Global Investment Nigeria Limited. It is expected to be completed within four months, with 30% mobilisation to be paid upon submission of a valid bank guarantee.

The commissioners emphasised the commitment of the Sokoto State Government to ensure timely execution of all the approved projects without cost variations, in line with Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s drive to reposition the state for sustainable development.

“These projects are not just numbers; they are part of a broader vision to empower our people, improve infrastructure, and invest in our future,” said the information commissioner.

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