By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Executive Council, at its 11th meeting, approved contracts worth billions of naira for several development projects, including the rehabilitation of a federal highway from Kajiji town to the Zamfara State boundary in Shagari Local Government Area.

The road rehabilitation project, valued at N8.1 billion, will be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and is expected to be completed within six months, adhering to the ministry’s specifications.

Sokoto’s Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, announced the council’s approval, stating that Roads Nigeria Limited was awarded the contract with federal government consent.

In addition to the highway project, the council approved:

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, revealed other approvals, 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 (SSCOE) to address waterlogging issues.

The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Bala Kokani Kebbe, disclosed contracts for renovating:

Government Day Science School, Yabo (N1.4 billion).

Nagarta College, Sokoto (N1.3 billion).

Meanwhile, the Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner, Alhaji Tukur Alkali, detailed further education-focused projects, including:

Repairs and renovation 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 have already received 50% of payments to mitigate the effects of rising material costs and ensure timely project completion.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, education, and service delivery to improve the lives of Sokoto residents.