The Sokoto state government has spent N80.32 billion on recurrent expenditure also called operational costs in 2023 budget implementation as against N58.58 billion expended on capital expenditure.
Recurrent expenditure consists of payment of salaries and other cost of running the governance machinery of the state. Capital expenditure, on the other hand, involves expenses related to infrastructural development of the state across health, education, agriculture among others.
According to a report budget recently by BudgIT, Sokoto had utilised 57.82% of its 2023 total expenses on recurrent expenditure, suggesting less attention to the major development needs of the Seat of the Caliphate.
Tagged ‘the State of States Report 2024’, the report indicated a steady decline in Capital Expenditure by 22.92% dropping from N76.00 billion in 2022 to N58.58 billion in 2023 in the state spendings.
The report added that the state recorded low internally generated revenue (IGR) of N18.16bn only in 2023, revealing an overdependence on allocations from the central government. Further findings revealed that the 2023 IGR decreased by 21.42% from N23.11bn in 2022
“Its shifting expenditure priorities highlight Sokoto State’s fiscal challenges. In contrast to the previous year, the state shifted its focus from capital expenditure (capex) in 2022 to a greater emphasis on recurrent expenditure, with 57.82% of its total expenses, amounting to N80.32bn, directed towards operational costs”, the report said.
Besides, the state suffered limitations to undertake critical infrastructure projects and development initiatives that could stimulate economic growth.
Similarly, the state’s IGR low performance ranked it as 23rd in the 2024 Fiscal Sustainability ranking, a decline from its earlier 13th place in 2023.
“In the 2024 States Fiscal Sustainability Ranking, Sokoto State had a ten-step fall from 13th in 2023 to 23rd in 2024. One of the prominent issues confronting Sokoto State is its overreliance on federal allocations for revenue”.
“In 2023, the state’s IGR decreased by 21.42% from N23.11bn in 2022 to N18.16bn in 2023”, it added.
Yawale Adamu is an investigative reporter driven by a passion for accountability and purposeful leadership.
He specializes in crafting compelling stories in both English and Hausa, with a focus on amplifying the voices of marginalized and underreported communities, offering hope and advocating for justice through his reportage.
Experience
With over a decade of experience, Yawale has produced numerous investigative stories that uncovered corruption, abuse of power, and mismanagement of public funds. From 2012 to 2022, he also served as a newscaster and translator at BRC FM Misau.
Awards
Yawale was honored as the Best Reporter of the Year at BRC FM Misau for the 2012–2013 period, reflecting his dedication and impact in the field of journalism.
