Sokoto Approves N8.4bn For Central Market Reconstruction

The Sokoto State government has approved N8.4 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Sokoto Central Market.

The approval was given during the State Executive Council meeting, where the project was described as crucial to restoring commercial activities disrupted by the fire incident that destroyed the market a few years ago.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the 16th state executive council meeting at the council chambers, Government House, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, said the contract would be executed by 38 contractors, all selected from the Sokoto business community.

“Council approved the reconstruction of the market at a cost of ₦8,499,855,347. The state government will fully fund the project to ensure that the market regains its past economic prominence,” Dantsoho said.

He added that the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, had made a campaign promise to rebuild the market, which remains the state’s largest commercial hub.

In the same meeting, the council also approved the draft 2026 budget for onward submission to the State House of Assembly.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Zayyana, said the document was prepared using the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, which he described as a reliable tool for achieving a transparent and predictable fiscal plan.