Goronyo Lauds Sokoto’s Citizen- Driven Budgeting, Highlights Tinubu’s Nationwide Road Projects

The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., has hailed the Sokoto State Government for its inclusive approach to the 2026 budget process, describing the state’s Citizens’ Town Hall Meeting as a model for participatory governance in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mohammed Ameen Abdullahi, SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of State for works.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, was held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies, Sokoto.

Goronyo said the forum demonstrated the state’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement, aligning strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emphasis on people-centred governance.

Citizen Engagement a Pillar of Democracy — Minister

Addressing participants at the meeting, the Minister said the initiative had brought the government closer to the people.

“This platform empowers citizens to contribute meaningfully to the 2026 budget process. It is a clear demonstration of true participatory democracy,” he stated.

Minister Commends Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s Performance

Goronyo praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what he described as impressive achievements across the state, especially in urban renewal and infrastructural development.

He recalled driving around Sokoto in the early hours of the morning and mistaking a newly built roundabout for a modern structure outside the country.

“What I have seen has surpassed my imagination. In my half-asleep state, I thought I was in Dubai—only to realise I was in Sokoto. The transformation is remarkable,” he said.

The Minister added that the Governor’s Nine-Point Agenda aligns closely with President Tinubu’s Eight-Point Priority Agenda.

Tinubu’s Road Infrastructure Drive Expands Across Nigeria

Goronyo used the event to highlight President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious nationwide road expansion programme, noting that several of the projects being executed were never campaign promises but strategic national interventions.

The projects include:

Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (1,068 km) passing through Sokoto Illela, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and terminating in Badagry.

Coastal Highway (750 km) linking Badagry, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Port Harcourt, and Calabar.

Ebonyi–Edo–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Corridor (456 km)

Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Highway (336 km)

Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road, currently undergoing major reconstruction and expansion.

According to the Minister, work on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano corridor remains a top priority for the Federal Government.

“This project is receiving renewed vigour to ensure safe and efficient travel for Nigerians,” he said.

NNPC-Funded Works Progressing on Sokoto–Gusau–Funtua–Zaria–Kaduna Corridor

Goronyo also highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of the Sokoto–Gusau–Funtua–Zaria–Kaduna corridor, funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

He listed the contractors on the project as CCB, Diacater, Mothercat, and Triacta, describing them as “strong and capable firms mobilised to deliver quality work.”

Strong Tinubu–Ahmed Aliyu Partnership Benefiting Sokoto

The Minister commended the close working relationship between Governor Ahmed Aliyu and President Tinubu, saying the state is reaping significant benefits from the synergy.

“His Excellency is a loyal member of the APC and a true son of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Whatever he requests receives immediate presidential attention. With just one call, he is covered,” he said.

He encouraged the Governor to sustain his development efforts, praising his commitment to service delivery.

“We thank His Excellency for his dedication and leadership. More grace to his efforts,” the Minister added.