The government of Sokoto State has approved N1.66 billion for the renovation of six additional General Hospitals across the state.

The move, according to officials describe is a major push to strengthen healthcare delivery.

This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Wurno, on Friday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting.

He said the beneficiary hospitals and their contract sums include Yabo (N290.1m), Shagari (N382.4m), Sabon Birni (N237.1m), Tangaza (N272.2m), Goronyo (N291.3m), and WCWC Hospital, Sokoto (N187.9m).

According to him, “This intervention is part of our strategic plan to upgrade health facilities across the 23 local government areas. We are committed to ensuring that our hospitals are functional, accessible, and capable of delivering quality healthcare to our people.”

The commissioner further revealed that the state would procure HIV/AIDS testing kits and consumables worth N100.076 million to sustain ongoing treatment and prevention efforts.

He explained that the intervention became necessary following the withdrawal of certain programme supports by the United States government.

He added; “We cannot allow any gap in HIV/AIDS response. That is why the state government is stepping in to bridge the shortfall caused by the withdrawal of donor support.”

The Commissioners for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Zayyana, and Information, Sambo Bello Danchadi, highlighted other approvals including the adoption of the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework pegged at N702.5 billion.

Dr. Zayyana said, “The MTEF provides a clear financial direction for the state. The N702.5 billion projection reflects our priorities and realistic revenue forecasts for 2026.”

In his remark, the Commissioner for Information, Bello Danchadi, noted that the approvals demonstrate the administration’s focus on development.

He added that “every decision taken today aligns with our broader goal of improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare services.”

The Council also cleared the procurement of laptops and computers under SUBEB at N72.6 million, as well as textbooks and exercise books valued at N113.1 million.

Additionally, contracts were awarded for a drainage project along the Zagga–Jaredi Road in Gwawon Nama (N122.7m), the construction of concrete drainage near the Orthopaedic Hospital, Wamakko (N216.6m), and the upgrade of the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau at N287.5 million to boost cultural preservation.

The 15th Council meeting for 2025 was declared open by Governor Ahmed Aliyu who reiterated his administration’s commitment to projects that would accelerate socio-economic development.

“We will continue to invest in critical sectors that directly impact the lives of our people. I appreciate the Council members for their cooperation and the good people of Sokoto State for their prayers and support,” he said.