Sokoto: Manir Dan'iya Demands Water Project Budget Accountability

• Manir Muhammad Dan'iya has questioned the Sokoto State government over persistent potable water shortages despite significant budget allocations.
• The 2026 Citizens Budget allocated N25 billion for water works rehabilitation and N5 billion for solar power, but Q1 2026 reports showed only N64.09 million spent from the Ministry of Water Resources' budget.
• Dan'iya cited major projects, including a 10,000-solar-panel installation and six water schemes totaling ₦14.1 billion, which have not alleviated the crisis.
• Residents are forced to pay N200-N300 for a 25-litre water container, a significant increase from N50, and often trek long distances.
• Dan'iya challenged Governor Ahmed Aliyu's administration to publish a comprehensive account of all water project finances and timelines.

Dan'iya firmly asserted that water is a fundamental governmental responsibility, not merely a campaign promise to be reiterated periodically.

The residents of Sokoto metropolis and surrounding areas continue to grapple with a severe shortage of potable water, forcing them to allocate precious household funds for essential daily needs like drinking, cooking, and cleaning. This ongoing crisis has persisted for over three years into the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, prompting significant public concern.

Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, who is the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate for Sokoto State for the 2027 general elections, has publicly challenged the state government regarding this persistent issue. Through a statement released by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan'iya highlighted the unacceptable nature of the situation, especially given numerous government announcements about substantial investments and interventions aimed at resolving the water scarcity.

Dan'iya's critique pointed to a stark discrepancy between planned expenditures and reported implementation. The state's 2026 Citizens Budget, for instance, earmarked N25 billion for the rehabilitation of the Sokoto Township Water Works and an additional N5 billion for the acquisition and installation of solar-powered energy systems for the State Water Board's pumping stations.

However, the Q1 2026 Budget Implementation Report revealed that only N64.09 million had been spent, representing a mere 2.1 percent of the Ministry of Water Resources' original N3.106 billion budget for that quarter. This significant gap between allocation and expenditure has led Dan'iya to demand a comprehensive accounting for the funds designated for the water sector and an explanation for the continued shortages. He also referenced a May 2026 government announcement concerning a contract award for 10,000 solar panels at the Sokoto Water Works, intended to generate 4.2 megawatts and alleviate the perennial water problem. Furthermore, six major water schemes—Tamaje, Old Airport, Gagi, Mana, Runjin Sambo, and Ruga Liman—were reportedly projected to deliver a combined 40 million gallons of water daily at an estimated cost of ₦14.1 billion. The ongoing water scarcity, despite these ambitious plans, raises serious questions about the implementation and funding of these projects.

The former deputy governor underscored the critical need for transparency in the management of public funds, particularly concerning vital infrastructure projects. He argued that a responsible government should not permit a basic necessity like potable water to remain entangled in bureaucratic processes while citizens endure daily hardships. Dan'iya also questioned the operational status of the electricity project designed to power the water infrastructure, emphasizing that functional pumping facilities are contingent upon a reliable energy supply.

He challenged Governor Aliyu's administration to release a detailed account of all water projects. This requested disclosure includes specific information on amounts budgeted, funds actually released and spent, projects that have been completed, outstanding works, and clear timelines for restoring a dependable potable water supply. Dan'iya firmly asserted that water is a fundamental governmental responsibility, not merely a campaign promise to be reiterated periodically. This highlights the broader issue of Nigeria public funds transparency and accountability in project delivery.

The failure to deliver sustainable water solutions has a direct and severe impact on the daily lives of Sokoto residents. A 2025 report cited by Dan'iya indicated that citizens were paying between N200 and N300 for a 25-litre container of water, a substantial increase from the previous cost of approximately N50. Many residents are also forced to trek considerable distances in search of water.

While acknowledging some reported interventions by the government, such as repairs to damaged pipelines, Dan'iya maintained that these measures are insufficient to establish a sustainable water supply system capable of meeting the demands of the state's expanding population. The current situation means residents cannot celebrate government announcements while still relying on water vendors for their daily needs, underscoring the urgent need for effective Sokoto water infrastructure funding and project execution.

This article highlights potential issues of public sector accountability and transparency in Nigeria, particularly concerning budget implementation for infrastructure projects. Lawyers advising on public procurement, government contracts, or administrative law should note the scrutiny on expenditure and project delivery, which could lead to legal challenges or demands for greater oversight.

Source: Reporting based on local media accounts.