From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has responded to allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the persistent water shortage in the state, saying various interventions are ongoing and that the APC-led administration remains committed to ending the crisis.
In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Iyan Sokoto, the ministry said it had taken note of a statement by the ADC governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, regarding water supply in the state.
“While we respect his right to comment on public issues, it is important to set the records straight and provide accurate information to the people of Sokoto,” the statement said.
The government acknowledged that the water sector requires massive investment.
It explained that the figures quoted in the 2026 Citizens’ Budget are projected appropriations for multi-year projects, including N25 billion for the rehabilitation of the Sokoto Township Water Works and N5 billion for solarisation.
“Budget appropriation is not the same as cash backing. Releases are done in phases based on project milestones, procurement processes and available revenue,” the commissioner said.
He added that the N64.09 million captured in the first-quarter 2026 report represented early-stage mobilisation and consultancy payments.
According to him, further releases were being processed in the second and third quarters to align with project timelines.
Sokoto Govt Lists Water Interventions
Contrary to the claim that “there is no water,” the statement said the APC-led administration had taken concrete steps to address the situation.
The government said the contract for 10,000 solar panels, expected to generate 4.2MW at Sokoto Water Works, was awarded in May 2026. It added that site clearing and procurement were ongoing.
According to the statement, the project is designed to reduce dependence on the national grid and enable water pumps to operate around the clock.
The initiative is in addition to 42 solar-powered boreholes across the metropolis, including locations such as Tudun-Wada Gebe, Tudun-Wada Old Cemetery, Bazza Area, Dallatu Road, Lamido Adama Road, Kofar Atiku and Shagari Close, among others.
The government also said six major water schemes at Tamaje, Old Airport, Gagi, Mana, Runjin Sambo and Ruga Liman, with a combined capacity of 40 million gallons per day, are at various stages of design, procurement and rehabilitation.
It explained that the N14.1 billion figure represents the total projected cost of the schemes and not money already spent at once.
The statement further disclosed that more than 120 kilometres of burst pipelines had been repaired across Sokoto metropolis in the last 18 months.
It added that new booster stations had also been installed to improve water pressure in high-lying areas.
Govt Appeals for Public Support
The government said it understands the hardship faced by residents who have to buy 25 litres of water for between N200 and N300.
“That is precisely why we are investing in long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes,” it stated.
While acknowledging the temporary relief provided by the rainy season, the statement said the solarisation and reticulation projects were designed to ensure improved water supply during the dry season.
“Water is a fundamental right, not a campaign slogan. Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration will not politicise it,” the commissioner said.
He added that within the next 12 months, residents would begin to see measurable impact from the solarisation project and the six water schemes currently under procurement.
The statement therefore challenged Hon. Dan’iya and the ADC to support government efforts by sensitising residents to protect water infrastructure and pay their water bills instead of politicising the provision of basic services.
The APC-led government, it concluded, remains accountable to the people and will continue to publish budget performance reports and invite stakeholders to project sites for verification.
