The Sokoto State Executive Council, during its 11th meeting, approved contracts worth billions of naira to execute a series of development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and public services across the state.
A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of N8.1 billion for the rehabilitation of the federal highway from Kajiji town to the Zamfara State boundary in Shagari Local Government Area.
The project will be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and is scheduled for completion within six months, adhering to federal specifications.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, disclosed that Roads Nigeria Limited had been awarded the highway contract with the federal government’s consent.
In addition to the highway project, the council approved several other initiatives:
– N56.3 million for connecting Lambar Hamma’ali to Chenawa with the national power grid.
– N109.8 million for renovating the state Ramand Home, which was damaged by a windstorm.
– A N1.3 billion partnership with Maigoriba for the Sokoto Girls Science Academy, granting the state government a 51% share in the school’s assets valued at N2.8 billion.
The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi, announced additional projects, including:
– N62.8 million for constructing four boreholes with overhead tanks and generators for the state fire service to ensure water availability during the harmattan season.
– N128.9 million for constructing 275 meters of drainage at the Shehu Shagari College of Education to address waterlogging.
Hon. Bala Kokani Kebbe, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, revealed contracts for renovating key educational institutions:
– Government Day Science School, Yabo (N1.4 billion).
– Nagarta College, Sokoto (N1.3 billion).
Further education-focused projects were detailed by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Tukur Alkali:
– Repairs and renovations of Giginya Barracks and Shagari Command Secondary Schools at N425.6 million and N793.6 million, respectively.
– Rehabilitation of Sultan Abubakar College, Sokoto (N958.8 million).
– Renovation of Marafa Danbaba and Tudun Wada Model Primary Schools at N117.4 million and N883.3 million, respectively.
Alkali noted that contractors had already received 50% of their payments to mitigate the impact of rising material costs and ensure timely project completion.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, education, and service delivery, emphasising that these initiatives aim to significantly improve the lives of Sokoto residents.
