The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the Sokoto State Government to ensure that traditional rulers are included in the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage. The appeal was made at a Town Hall meeting organised by the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on Sunday, ahead of the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal.
The Sultan, who was represented by the District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabiru Cigari-Alhassan, said traditional institutions play important roles in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and supporting government programmes at the grassroots. For these reasons, he argued, traditional rulers should not be left out of the new wage structure.
According to him, many traditional rulers are struggling to meet their responsibilities because of limited financial support. He added that extending the new minimum wage to them would strengthen their capacity to contribute to community development.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from across the state, including representatives of persons with disabilities, women groups, youth organisations, and civil society organisations. Participants raised key issues they want the 2026 budget to address, especially in the areas of clean water supply, healthcare, school furniture, electricity, and youth employment.
The Town Hall meeting is part of the Sokoto State Government’s effort to expand public input in the budget-making process. Many states across Nigeria have adopted similar consultation exercises to allow citizens influence spending priorities.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Zayyana, explained that the meeting was aimed at widening consultations to ensure the budget reflects the needs of different groups. He said the government wants to promote transparency and citizen participation in governance.
Dr. Zayyana noted that Sokoto State has been improving its budgeting process over the years, with more sectors and civil society organisations now being included in discussions before the budget is submitted to the State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the event, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, assured residents that his administration will continue making allocations for key sectors such as education, religious institutions, water supply, and healthcare. He said several projects have already been completed across the state, while others are ongoing.
The governor listed some of the ongoing initiatives, including efforts to improve electricity supply, upgrade school facilities, and expand child welfare programmes. He said his government remains committed to addressing challenges faced by vulnerable groups, especially children and persons with disabilities.
Governor Aliyu also encouraged participants to continue engaging with the government by offering ideas and pointing out areas that need attention. He said inclusive budgeting helps ensure that the state’s resources are used to meet the most important needs of citizens.
Sokoto State, like other states across Nigeria, is currently working on the implementation of the new national minimum wage. The Federal Government recently approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage after negotiations with labour unions. States are now expected to adjust their salary structures accordingly.
However, the implementation process has raised questions about whether traditional rulers—who are not classified as civil servants but play key administrative and cultural roles—should also benefit from the new wage structure. The Sultan’s appeal reflects this concern and may lead to debates about how traditional institutions should be supported financially.
Traditional rulers across Nigeria have long argued that they are at the frontline of community governance, conflict resolution, and security intelligence. In many rural areas, they serve as the first point of contact between citizens and government. Because of this, they believe they should receive stronger financial backing.
Participants at the Town Hall meeting said they expect the 2026 budget to prioritise projects that directly affect everyday life in communities. They urged the government to address water shortages, provide more school furniture, expand healthcare access, and empower young people with skills and jobs.
