By Abdulfatai Abdulsalami, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, has approved a series of transformative projects and policy decisions aimed at strengthening governance, enhancing infrastructure, and improving public service delivery in the state.
Speaking after the Council meeting, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Danchadi, alongside the Attorney General and Commissioners for Lands, Housing, and Environment, briefed journalists on the major resolutions reached.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the approval for the procurement of official vehicles for Permanent Secretaries across the state’s ministries.
The Commissioner noted that many senior civil servants had operated without government-assigned vehicles for nearly 17 years.
“This approval is a demonstration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to reenergizing the civil service by restoring dignity and operational efficiency to our top bureaucrats,” he stated.
In a similar move to boost administrative capacity, the Council approved the construction of a new office complex for the Ministry of Justice.
“For decades, the ministry has been operating from shared premises with the Ministry for Local Government, a situation that has hindered productivity.“This is a historic intervention,” the Attorney General noted.
“The new office complex will provide a conducive working environment for the growing number of legal officers and staff.”
On security, the Council approved the procurement of 25 Toyota Buffalo 2024 model vehicles, 10 for community security operators and an additional 15 for security agencies in the state.
This move is part of the state government’s continued efforts to strengthen security operations and logistics amid growing challenges.
The Council also gave a nod to the renovation of the Maryam Abacha Women Development Centre in Sokoto. The facility, which has long been in disrepair, will now undergo general renovation to reposition it for skills acquisition and empowerment programs targeting women.
Another crucial decision was the approval of the reconstruction of a damaged culvert along the Sokoto-Ilela-Niger Republic road in Santaka village, Ilela LGA. The blocked culvert had reportedly impeded cross-border movement and caused flooding in surrounding communities.
To tackle environmental challenges, the Ministry of Environment received approval for the direct procurement of nine waste disposal trucks (TIPPER), as well as the purchase of safety kits, cleaning materials, and household waste bins.
The move is aimed at modernizing waste management and sanitation across the state.Overall, the Council’s deliberations reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the implementation of its “Nine-Point Smart Agenda,” with focus on infrastructure, civil service reform, environmental sustainability, and citizen welfare.
“These decisions reflect the government’s proactive approach to addressing longstanding issues while laying the foundation for sustainable development,” the Information Commissioner added.
