From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Ministry of Water Resources says interventions are ongoing to end the potable water crisis in the state.
The ministry was reacting to a statement by the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya who criticised the government on the prolonged water crisis in the state.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Aminu Dodo Iya said while government respects the right of the opposition to comment on public issues, it is important to set the records straight and provide accurate information to the people.
He explained that the figures quoted in the 2026 Citizens Budget reflect projected appropriations for multi-year projects such as the ₦25 billion for the rehabilitation of Sokoto Township Water Works and ₦5 billion for solarization.
According to him, budget appropriation is not the same as cash backing as releases are done in phases based on project milestones, procurement processes, and available revenue.
He said the Q1 2026 report of ₦64.09 million reflects early-stage mobilization and consultancy payments, and that more releases are being processed in Q2 and Q3 to match project timelines.
The Commissioner disclosed that in May 2026, government awarded the contract for the installation of 10,000 solar panels to generate 4.2MW at the Sokoto Water Works.
He said site clearance and procurement are ongoing and the project is designed to end dependence on the national grid and ensure regular power electricity to pump water nonstop to users.
According to him, this is in addition to 42 solar boreholes across Sokoto metropolis including Tudun-wada Gebe, Tudun-wada Old Cemetery, Bazza Area, Dallatu Road, Lamido Adama Road, Kofar Atiku, and Shagari Close.
Dodo Iya further stated that government is executing six major water schemes at Tamaje, Old Airport, Gagi, Mana, Runjin Sambo and Ruga Liman with a combined capacity of 40 million gallons per day.
He said the schemes are at various stages of design, procurement and rehabilitation, and that the ₦14.1 billion figure is the total projected cost, not money spent at once.
He said over 120 kilometres of burst water pipelines have been repaired in the last 18 months across Sokoto metropolis and new booster stations have been installed to improve pressure in high-lying areas.
The Commissioner acknowledged the hardship of residents buying water at ₦200-₦300 per 25 litres, saying that is why government is investing in long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
He noted that while the rainy season provides some relief, the solar and reticulation projects are targeted to ensure supply during the dry season as well.
Dodo Iya reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Sokoto State Government under the able leadership of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu to the provision of adequate quality potable water to the people of the state.
He said the top priority attached to the water supply sector under the Governor’s 9-Point Smart Agenda is a testament to the importance the administration attaches to the sector.
He appealed to the people of the state to discountenance the unsubstantiated allegations made by the ADC, insisting that the current administration has done a lot to revamp the water supply sector.
The Iyan Sokoto further promised that all ongoing projects in the water supply sector will be logically completed while new ones will be initiated to meet the ever increasing population of Sokoto city and its environs.
He said water is a fundamental right, not a campaign slogan, and challenged the ADC to join hands with government in sensitizing the public to protect water infrastructure and pay water bills instead of politicizing a basic service.
He assured that the APC government remains accountable to the people and will continue to publish budget performance reports and invite stakeholders to project sites for verification.
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