Sokoto Central Market reconstruction approved with ₦8.4bn funding, restoring Nigeria’s largest commercial hub and boosting local economy.

The Sokoto State Government has approved ₦8.4 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Sokoto Central Market, the state’s largest commercial hub, following a devastating fire that disrupted trading activities.

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The approval was granted on Thursday during the 16th State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Sokoto.

Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, disclosed that 38 contractors, all drawn from the Sokoto business community, will execute the project. “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 the market regains its past economic prominence,” Dantsoho said.

He added that Governor Ahmed Aliyu had made a campaign promise to rebuild the market, highlighting its significance as a commercial centre for traders and residents across the state.

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

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Zayyana, said the draft was prepared using the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to ensure transparency and predictability in fiscal planning.

Additionally, the council sanctioned a contract worth ₦469,140,662.28 for the construction of a new administrative block and the renovation of existing structures at the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Bello Danchadi, said the project, awarded to Assist-Me Solution General Services Ltd, is expected to be completed within six months with a 50 per cent mobilisation payment and no allowance for variation.

The approvals reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening commercial infrastructure and improving administrative services.

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In September, the council had approved a technical amendment to the 2025 budget, redistributing ₦38.81 billion from under-utilised allocations to critical sectors, while keeping the total budget at ₦526.88 billion.