COVID-19: Sokoto govt slashes 2020 budget by N49bn

The Sokoto State government has cut its 2020 budget from N202 billion to N153 billion due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The government also waived fees on water supply to the residents of the state for two months to cushion the effect of the pandemic on the people.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Abdussamad Dasuki, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, said the decisions were reached at the State Executive Council’s meeting on Thursday.

According to him, the review of the 2020 budget was considered because of the financial down flow recorded by the state as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “Sokoto will not be an exception, therefore, the government must look at the necessities and apply realistic measures in the situation.

”The budget was reviewed by 25 percent downward and it will affect all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) allocations as well as other projects.”

He said that the Council had revoked the contract for the construction of the Deputy Governor’s residence which was awarded to a firm, Abarma Nigeria Limited.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Nigerian govt says isolation centres not enough for nationals who want to return home

The commissioner added: “The contract was awarded in the last two years at the cost of N484 million and the contractor was mobilized with N285 million and absconded from the job.”

According to him, the contract was at 35 percent execution stage and ministries of finance along with justice were mandated to ensure requisite action on the project.

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