By Kazeem Waris
The Sokoto State Government has approved billions of naira for road construction, 200 solar-powered boreholes, hospital rehabilitation, school renovations and other infrastructure projects, in a sweeping development push aimed at improving living conditions and expanding public services across the state.
The approvals include ₦10.96 billion for 11 clusters of roads in Arkilla Federal and State Low-Cost areas of Sokoto metropolis, ₦8.54 billion for a major dual carriageway and ₦7.84 billion for 200 solar-powered semi-urban boreholes across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The decisions were reached at the ninth regular meeting of the State Executive Council for 2026, chaired by Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Government House, Sokoto, on Thursday.
The road and water projects alone account for more than ₦27 billion, underscoring the scale of the infrastructure commitments announced by the administration.
In a statement dated October 17, 2026, the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, said the approvals emerged from the Council’s deliberations on projects across critical sectors.
N10.96bn for Roads, Drainage in Sokoto Metropolis
The Council approved ₦10.96 billion for 11 clusters of roads equipped with reinforced-concrete and outfall drainage systems in the Arkilla Federal and State Low-Cost areas.
The projects are expected to improve urban mobility, strengthen drainage and help address flooding risks while making movement easier for residents.
Another ₦8.54 billion was approved for a dual carriageway stretching from Tsehen Masu through New City Kwasai to the old airport runway.
The route is expected to improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and support the expansion of Sokoto metropolis.
The Council also approved a combined ₦1.79 billion for road construction along the Kaduna Road and Tsafe Road corridors, the development of roads in Guiwa and the rehabilitation of Bunza Road.
The projects are expected to improve access to communities and commercial centres while supporting economic activities across the state.
200 Solar Boreholes to Reach 23 LGAs
In a major intervention in the water sector, the government approved ₦7.84 billion for the construction of 200 fully equipped, solar-powered semi-urban boreholes across all 23 local government areas.
The initiative is designed to expand access to potable water, particularly in underserved communities, while reducing dependence on conventional electricity.
The Council also approved ₦249.4 million for borehole-drilling materials, submersible pumps and other accessories needed to maintain rural water schemes.
The additional funding is expected to strengthen existing facilities and reduce disruptions to water supply in rural communities.
For residents in areas struggling with access to safe water, the success of the initiative will depend on the equitable distribution, proper maintenance and sustained operation of the facilities.
Hospitals, Health Centres Get Fresh Funding
The health sector featured prominently in the approvals, with the Council allocating ₦377.93 million for the renovation of General Hospital, Tureta, and ₦302.81 million for the rehabilitation of General Hospital, Rabah.
Another ₦383.33 million was approved for the re-award and completion of the General Hospital project in Dange town.
At the primary healthcare level, ₦61.95 million was earmarked for the renovation of Badon Barade Primary Health Centre, while ₦62.71 million was approved for the renovation of the Primary Health Centre in Alu Quarters, Mana area, including the construction of a perimeter fence.
The projects are expected to improve healthcare infrastructure and provide better working conditions for health workers, while strengthening access to essential medical services.
Schools, Polytechnic Also Benefit
The Council approved ₦492.41 million for the renovation of the collapsed and dilapidated hall at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic.
Shehu Shagari University of Education will receive teaching and learning equipment worth ₦99.93 million, while ₦911.59 million was approved for the renovation of Government Girls Commercial Secondary School, Tambuwal.
The education projects are intended to improve learning environments and support the delivery of teaching and other academic activities.
Aviation, Security and Religious Projects
As part of efforts to advance the state’s aviation ambitions, the Council approved ₦178.30 million for the construction of an office complex and three shops for Caliphate Air Limited at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto.
Another ₦84.38 million was approved for operational gadgets to enhance the protection of government infrastructure and public assets.
Religious facilities also featured in the approvals.
The Council approved ₦106.38 million for the renovation of the central mosque at Shehu Shagari College of Education and ₦694.72 million for additional works needed to complete the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Jumu’at Mosque in Guiwa.
A further ₦243.09 million was approved for the renovation of Tangaza Central Jumu’at Mosque.
The government also earmarked a combined ₦405.07 million for remodelling the Jumu’at Mosque at the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 10, in the Marina area, and constructing an imam’s residence.
Another ₦160.63 million was approved for the renovation and completion of the Izala Jumu’at Mosque in Isa.
From Approvals to Results
The breadth of the approvals reflects the administration’s investment priorities across roads, water supply, healthcare, education, aviation, security and religious infrastructure.
However, the ultimate test will be whether the approved funds translate into completed, functional projects that residents can see and use.
Timely execution, transparent procurement, effective supervision and adequate maintenance will be crucial to ensuring that the investments deliver lasting public benefits.
With billions of naira committed to infrastructure, residents will be watching for tangible improvements in road access, water availability, healthcare delivery and educational facilities across Sokoto State.
