In a bid to address the current hardship faced by the people and to develop the economic roadmap for Sokoto State, the state governor Ahmed Aliyu, on Sunday, inaugurated a 19-man economic advisory council to speed up the process.
Aliyu also raised concerns over the lack of economic data and poor tax collection in the state.
Speaking while inaugurating the committee at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Sokoto, Aliyu said his administration has been servicing debts inherited from his predecessor since inception, urging the council to proffer workable solutions for such challenges.
“I urge you to exceed our expectations and offer the vital guidance needed to expedite the economic progress for the state.
“I also urge you to use your diverse experience in finance, commerce and industry for the development of the state in line with my administration’s strategic agenda,” he added.
In his remarks, the council’s Chairman, Bello Maccido, assured the governor that his team would do everything possible to advise the government on what to do to reverse the state’s fortune and put it on a solid path to economic prosperity.
“We will be advising on the sectors of focus and on innovative financial solutions that will help the state, broadening its sources of financing,” he said.
Other members of the committee include Umar Ajiya who is to serve as alternate chairman; the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Usman Danfodiyo University, Prof Lawal Bilbis, Ibrahim Gobir, Abdulkar Bello, Abdullahi Tafida, among others.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Economy, Bashir Achida, will serve as the Secretary.