UNICEF, Sokoto Govt. train assembly members on programme-based budgeting

The Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with UNICEF, has commenced training for members of the State House of Assembly on programme-based budgeting.

Declaring the two-day training open in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, the Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Tukur Bala-Badinga, described the exercise as timely and complementary to the lawmakers’ legislative duties.

Bala-Badinga, represented by the Majority Leader, Alhaji Bello Idris, said the workshop would enhance the lawmakers’ understanding of budget preparation and implementation.

“The budget is a very important segment of governance, as it determines how much is appropriated, which ministry gets the lion share, and how resources are distributed.

“As representatives of the people, once you reach the legislature, you have reached the grassroots.

“We are about to review the 2025 budget, and before the 2026 budget process begins, we will ensure that the review is concluded and that the budget passes through the necessary legislative process for the benefit of the people,” he said.

The speaker commended the ministry, UNICEF and Gov. Ahmad Aliyu for initiating the training and supporting effective budget implementation in the state.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Abubakar Muhammad-Zayyana, said the training was unprecedented in the history of the state.

He said it focused on Programme-Based Budgeting (PBB) and would ensure efficiency, effectiveness and accountability in the use of public resources.

“The approach goes beyond the traditional method of input and output, as it also captures outcomes.

“At the ministry, we are determined to develop a policy document that will give the state a clear direction.

“We appreciate UNICEF for supporting the ministry in shifting from the traditional method of budgeting to a more result-oriented one,” Muhammad-Zayyana said.

Earlier, UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist, Malam Isah Ibrahim, said the organisation had been working with federal and state governments to reform planning and budgetary processes towards achieving sustainable development goals and realising child rights.

He explained that the transition to PBB in Nigeria began in 2024 with pilot projects in education, health and agriculture across Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, with technical support from UNICEF.

“UNICEF is now planning to scale up PBB to six additional states; Kaduna, Oyo, Benue, Cross River, Sokoto and Gombe , ahead of their 2026 budgets,” Ibrahim said.

According to him, the overall objective is to use PBB as an entry point for child-responsive budgeting in Sokoto State.

He added that the approach would strengthen the link between policy objectives and government spending, promote accountability and transparency, and improve the quality of public expenditure.

“Programme-based budgeting also ensures alignment between strategic plans and annual budgets, enhances efficiency, and simplifies budget structures by replacing numerous line items with well-defined programmes,” he said.

Ibrahim noted that UNICEF opted for a gradual adoption of PBB through a pilot scheme rather than a “big bang” approach due to its technical demands.