The Sokoto State Government has instituted a mandatory two-year rural service for all health professionals sponsored by the State. This is coming on the heels to boost healthcare delivery in rural communities in the State.
This was contained in the announcement made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Farouk Abubakar.
Speaking after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Thursday, Dr Abubakar stated that the new policy requires all state-sponsored health workers to serve exclusively in rural areas for two years without the option of transfer.
He pointed out that “This initiative is aimed at improving healthcare services in rural areas, where they are most needed.”
In other developments, the Council approved a total of N280.8 million for the procurement of 120 motorcycles. This is to support the operations of security agencies across the State.
Abubakar noted that additional N240 million and N686.7 million were earmarked for the construction of a perimeter fence at Sokoto State University and a 500-seater auditorium at the Sokoto State College for Basic and Remedial Studies, respectively.
“Sokoto State Government also allocated N300 million for the renovation of the Goronyo and Gada Juma’at mosques,” he said.
In another development, the SEC approved a proposal to amend the State’s 2025 Appropriation Law.
This was disclosed but the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Abubakar Zayyanu. He , however, pointed out that the amendment is purely administrative and does not affect the total budget size of N526.8 billion.
“We are simply reallocating N47.4 billion in unutilized funds to areas of greater need,” he said.
Zayyanu added that the amendment will be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.”