RismadarVoice Reporters
September 26, 2026
The Sokoto State Government has defended its investments in the water sector, rejecting criticism over the state’s water supply situation and clarifying that billions of naira contained in the 2026 budget represent allocations for multi-year projects rather than money already spent.
The Ministry of Water Resources clarified a rejoinder responding to concerns raised by African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.
According to the ministry, Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration is pursuing short- and long-term measures to improve water supply across Sokoto metropolis and other parts of the state.
The government said several major projects were undergoing procurement, rehabilitation or construction, while others remained at different stages of implementation.
It explained that the ₦25 billion allocated for rehabilitation of the Sokoto Township Water Works and the ₦5 billion provision for solarisation in the 2026 Citizens Budget were appropriations for multi-year projects.
“Government acknowledges that the water sector requires massive investment. However, budget appropriation is not the same as cash backing. Releases are made in phases based on project milestones, procurement processes and available revenue,” the ministry said.
It added that the ₦64.09 million recorded as expenditure in the first quarter of 2026 represented initial mobilisation and consultancy payments, while further releases were being processed in accordance with project timelines.
The ministry identified the solarisation of the Sokoto Water Works as one of the administration’s major interventions.
It said a contract for the installation of 10,000 solar panels with an expected generation capacity of 4.2 megawatts was awarded in May.
According to the government, site clearing and procurement are ongoing, with the project intended to reduce dependence on the national electricity grid and provide power for continuous operation of water pumps.
The ministry also said 42 solar-powered boreholes had been installed across Sokoto metropolis, including Tudun-Wada Gebe, Tudun-Wada Old Cemetery, Bazza Area, Dallatu Road, Lamido Adama Road, Kofar Atiku and Shagari Close.
Six major water schemes — Tamaje, Old Airport, Gagi, Mana, Runjin Sambo and Ruga Liman — are also at various stages of design, procurement and rehabilitation.
The government said the schemes have a combined projected capacity of 40 million gallons of water daily.
It clarified that the ₦14.1 billion associated with the six projects represented their combined projected cost and not expenditure already incurred.
On emergency interventions, the ministry said more than 120 kilometres of damaged and burst pipelines had been repaired across Sokoto metropolis over the past 18 months.
New booster stations had also been installed to improve water pressure, particularly in elevated areas.
The government acknowledged difficulties faced by residents who sometimes pay between ₦200 and ₦300 for a 25-litre container of water but said its investments were intended to address underlying supply challenges.
“Government understands the hardship of buying water at ₦200 to ₦300 per 25 litres. That is precisely why we are investing in long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes,” the ministry said.
The ministry maintained that potable water remained a priority of the administration and urged stakeholders not to politicise the issue.
“Water is a fundamental right, not a campaign slogan. Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration will not politicise it,” it said.
The government said improvements from the solarisation project and six major water schemes were expected to become increasingly visible within the next 12 months.
It also pledged to continue publishing budget performance reports, invited stakeholders to inspect project sites and urged residents to protect public water infrastructure and pay applicable water bills to support the sustainability of the system.
