Why is Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto so passionately focused on the infrastructural development of Sokoto State? The logical and straightforward answer is because infrastructure is crucial for economic growth, improved quality of life, facilitates trade, reduces costs for businesses, makes movement easier for people and enhances overall productivity, well-being and access to essential services. A state with run down facilities, that lacks potable water, good roads etc. will obviously be the last choice for investors. It’s important to strongly stress that infrastructural projects are not ends in themselves; rather the importance of world-class infrastructure to the economy and the society derives from the services they offer. So, the real output of top-notch infrastructure is service and it’s not investment in infrastructure for infrastructure sake.

  Of what use is it for Governor Sokoto or any governor for that matter to seek investors, when the state’s facilities are trash and can’t drive economic growth?

  Unfortunately, despite  the importance of infrastructure and the fact that Sokoto State’s existing infrastructure were  overtaxed due to rural-urban migration and increase in population, between 2015 and 2023, former governor Aminu Tambuwal’s administration made near zero investment in infrastructure, both in terms of maintenance and in building new critical projects.

  Richard Mudges’ assertion that, “the deterioration of existing facilities and their insufficient capacity to accommodate future growth will eventually constrain economic development” makes continuous investment in infrastructural development a compelling priority. But this advice was music to Tambuwal’s ears.

  So, Sokoto State was on critical life support between 2015 and 2023 because the Tambuwal administration had literally suffocated it. Had Tambuwal built on the legacy of former governor Aliyu Wamakko, the efforts of Governor Sokoto would have turned the state into an Eldorado.

  Due to Tambuwal’s years of neglect, it is estimated that Sokoto State needs at least N2 trillion to address its infrastructural deficits. To reverse the crisis, Governor Sokoto needs to sustain and surpass his present level of spending (subject to availability of funds) to bring the state’s infrastructure to an appreciable level.

  A confirmed disciple of the Heraclitus school of thought that believes “big results require big ambitions”, he has never hidden his determination to turn the state into a well-planned modern city and the ultimate destination for businesses in Nigeria as well as the food basket of the nation. So far, he has given a credible account of himself, even though he had to virtually build from the scratch in every sector.

  In the last two years, he has strategically invested in critical infrastructure; spending over N40 billion in roads construction, N30 billion in the construction of housing estates, N14.1 billion in water supply projects, and N32 billion for the completion of the Sokoto State power plant. These investments are part of the administration’s broader efforts at addressing the significant infrastructure deficits of the state.

  Since the administration of former governor Wamakko, Sokoto State has not witnessed massive rehabilitation and construction of roads like now, which reflects the governor’s desire to deliver a planned, orderly and coherent development of the state. So far, the governor has constructed over 126 township roads in line with his transformative Nine-Point Smart Agenda. In 2024 alone, he executed more than 250 consequential projects and it’s not surprising that he has since refused to take off his legs from the pedal so as to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services, boost economic activities, and improve the overall quality of life of the residents.

  As part of the activities marking his impactful two-year anniversary, the 7.7km Gande-Male-Gwahitto-Fako Road, executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), was commissioned. This vital roadway will enhance rural connectivity and boost agricultural productivity in Binji and Silame Local Government Areas (LGAs). The Gawon Nama Off Zurmi and Girabshi township roads were also commissioned. There are several other ongoing township road projects across the length and breadth of Sokoto metropolis as part of the administration’s commitment to transform the infrastructure of the state.

  The administration has no doubt creditably conducted itself in the area of roads infrastructure and deserves an A+.

  Governor Sokoto has, therefore, proven that governance is not about whining, but about taking action. When he took over the mantle of leadership, he inherited a state with acute water shortage with residents buying a jerrycan of water for between N200 and N300. Rather than complaining, he took decisive actions to ensure a steady and improved supply of potable water.

  When on June 23, 2025, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State commissioned the three million litres per day old airport Water Supply Project, one of the six township water supply schemes being constructed across Sokoto metropolis, the joy of the people of the state was palpable against the backdrop of the more than eight years of acute water shortage due to the inexplicable failure of the Tambuwal administration to complete the six water projects, which the administration of former governor Wamakko had initiated to frontally address the water crisis.

  It needs be stressed that when the Tambuwal administration managed to pump water, it was not processed due to lack of water treatment chemicals. It beats imagination why Tambuwal didn’t see the benefit of completing the various water projects that he inherited. Not even the notoriety that Sokoto State had acquired for water borne diseases – cholera, typhoid, dysentery etc – due to lack of pipe borne water and dependency on contaminated water moved a man, who from his very first year as governor wanted to be president, into action.

  It also needs to be stressed that Governor Sokoto’s daring and ambitious dreams to ensure a steady and improved water supply for the people of the state has just started taking shape. The commissioning of the three million litres per day old airport water supply scheme and the reactivation of vandalised water scheme is just a tip of the iceberg and the governor shouldn’t be begrudged for popping champagne for conquering in two years a project that for eight years defied the Tambuwal administration.

  More heartening is the governor’s vow not to relent until the Tamaje Water scheme, the Gagi Water Scheme, the Mana Water Scheme, the Runjin Sambo Water Scheme and Ruga Liman Water Scheme, which were carefully selected based on population density and high-need zones across the metropolis and its environs, are successfully completed. When completed, the six water schemes are expected to provide 40 million gallons per day to the residents of Sokoto metropolis.

  By completing the old airport water scheme, the governor killed several birds with one stone – he addressed the issue of waterborne diseases, created jobs and increased economic development. He is also tackling head on the recent water shortage experienced in the metropolis occasioned by erratic power supply and inadequate water from the rivers supplying the main water intake plant.

  Due to waterborne diseases, hundreds of lives were lost and thousands suffered from tropical diseases like cholera, intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, and trachoma. That’s now in the past. Sokoto State will henceforth be mentioned in the positives and not in the negatives due to the completion of this water project.

  Another area that is receiving the attention of the governor is housing, which is quite understandable. Sokoto State has an acute housing shortage, hence the governor’s resolve to address a problem that is affecting the citizens. Is that not why he was elected?

  When he came on board in 2023, the state had no single property in its name except the Government House, because the Tambuwal administration had virtually sold off properties belonging to the state, while it tragically failed to build any. That administration abandoned the 500 housing estate at Gidan Salanke initiated by the Wamakko administration. But Governor Sokoto, unlike Tambuwal, has within the last two years delivered a total of 1,130 housing units. These include the 1,000 housing units in Gidan Salanke and Wajake, and the 130 housing units acquired from the Federal Government in the Kwannawa area. These initiatives reflect the governor’s determination to address the state’s housing deficit.

  And the world has taken notice. In 2024, Governor Sokoto was honoured by the Africa Housing Awards with the prestigious Urban Planning/Housing – Friendly Governor of the Year, in recognition of his “transformative approach to addressing housing and urban planning challenges in Sokoto State and commitment to urban renewal and housing development through policies and projects that prioritise improved access to affordable housing, infrastructure development, and sustainable urban planning practices”.

  The governor has shown that he more than deserves this award by his continuing investment in the construction of houses for the people.

  He has in the last two years given a very credible account of himself, and would definitely deliver more in the next two years because he is committed to developing the state. He will succeed because he has refused to be distracted. Governor Sokoto deserves commendation for erasing the creeping cynicism among the people about the capacity of government to deliver essential services.