By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Technical Working Committee on the 9-Point SMART Innovative Agenda has met with the newly appointed Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Bashir Muhammad Achida, to review the implementation of the administration’s development blueprint.
The meeting, held at the conference room of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Sokoto, was presided over by the commissioner.
In a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Hassan Altine Muhammad Shuni, the immediate past commissioner of the ministry and former chairman of the Technical Working Committee, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Zayyana, briefed the new commissioner on the committee’s achievements, challenges and areas requiring further attention.
Zayyana urged the commissioner to prioritise the completion of the State Development Plan initiated during his tenure and encourage government officials to utilise the recently launched Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) document in policy formulation and implementation.
He said the framework for the 9-Point SMART Innovative Agenda had already been developed, adding that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had agreed to partner with the ministry to scientifically assess the performance of each thematic area of the agenda.
The former commissioner also stressed the importance of giving priority to the state’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), noting that the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning should continue to serve as the coordinating institution for the state’s development efforts.
Zayyana further advocated the sustenance of zonal town hall meetings through which citizens contribute ideas to the state’s budget process.
He expressed hope that the initiative would eventually be extended to the ward and local government levels to enhance citizens’ participation in governance and development planning.
The former commissioner, who voluntarily resigned his appointment to contest the Gwadabawa/Illela Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also advised his successor to strengthen the ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Department and Department of International Cooperation.
He wished the new commissioner success and commended members of the Technical Working Committee for their commitment to the assignment.
Achida pledges continuity
Responding, Commissioner Bashir Muhammad Achida expressed appreciation for the foundation laid by his predecessor and his efforts to introduce innovative strategies aimed at achieving the objectives of the administration of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto.
Achida acknowledged Zayyana’s contributions to the development of the 9-Point SMART Innovative Agenda, the Multidimensional Poverty Index and the coordination of development partners in the state.
He pledged to consolidate the achievements recorded by the ministry while introducing new ideas aimed at improving its performance and strengthening the state’s economy.
The commissioner also promised to remain open to constructive advice from his predecessor, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of his mandate.
Committee members highlight priorities
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Buhari Umar Musheshi, commended members of the Technical Working Committee for their dedication and contributions towards achieving the objectives of the 9-Point SMART Agenda.
Earlier, the committee’s secretary and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, alongside the State Statistician-General, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulrahman Shagari, presented an overview of the committee’s activities.
Other members of the committee, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Nasir Daniya; State Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Comrade Bello Gwadabawa; and Prof. Abubakar Abdullahi, identified key areas requiring priority attention.
The meeting also marked the assumption of the chairmanship of the Technical Working Committee by Commissioner Achida, who is expected to lead the next phase of implementation and monitoring of the Sokoto State 9-Point SMART Innovative Agenda.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
