Member since 2026
Before CoST: Public infrastructure in context
Sokoto State is committed to improving public infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, social development, and improved public service delivery. Significant investments have been made in sectors such as roads, housing, health, education, water, and rural infrastructure. However, like many sub-national governments in Nigeria, the State has faced challenges in ensuring that infrastructure investments consistently deliver value for money.
Persistent challenges have included limited publication of infrastructure information, weak implementation of procurement regulations, inadequate project planning and design, inconsistent compliance with construction standards, and limited opportunities for citizens and businesses to participate in infrastructure decision-making. These issues have contributed to reduced public confidence, poorly executed projects, and missed opportunities to maximize the social and economic benefits of infrastructure investment.
Sokoto State has nevertheless established a strong foundation for reform. The State has embraced the principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), operates under the Sokoto State Bureau of Public Procurement, and has developed institutional structures that support transparency and accountability. Building on these reforms, the Government identified CoST as an opportunity to strengthen infrastructure governance by improving data publication, participation, and accountability throughout the infrastructure project cycle.
CoST Sokoto State: How it all began
Inspired by Kaduna State, Sokoto State formally applied to join CoST – the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative in February 2026. Following a review of the application, the CoST Board approved Sokoto State’s membership on 27 May 2026, recognising the State’s strong political commitment, robust legal and institutional framework, and alignment with wider governance and public sector reform objectives. The Board also commended the State’s emphasis on transparency, stakeholder participation, and value for money in public infrastructure delivery.
The application was developed through extensive consultations involving the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Sokoto State Bureau of Public Procurement, civil society organisations, representatives of the Open Government Partnership, private sector organisations, and the CoST International Secretariat. This collaborative approach established broad ownership of the programme before membership was sought.
Implementation of the Sokoto programme is coordinated by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, with oversight provided through the State Open Government Partnership Steering Committee. A dedicated Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) is being established to lead implementation and promote collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector.
Multi-stakeholder working in Sokoto State
The CoST Sokoto State Multi-Stakeholder Group brings together representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector to guide implementation of the initiative.
Government members include representatives from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Lands and Housing, and Ministry for Local Government and Community Development. Civil society organisations include the Open Government Partnership State Steering Committee, Transparency and Accountability in Totality (TinT), Initiative for Youth Support and Re-Orientation (I4YOUTH), and Save the Child Initiative (STCI). Business representation includes the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, the Bankers Forum, the State Contractors Association, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Sokoto Chapter.
This multi-stakeholder approach provides a platform for dialogue, oversight, and collective action to improve infrastructure governance and strengthen accountability.
Data publication in Sokoto State
The key objective of CoST Sokoto State is to improve public access to infrastructure information by publishing project data in line with the CoST Infrastructure Data Standard (OC4IDS).
The State plans to integrate the OC4IDS standard into its existing electronic procurement platform and establish a functional disclosure portal that will initially publish data for at least 50 pilot infrastructure projects. Alongside this technical upgrade, Sokoto State intends to develop a Formal Disclosure Mandate to provide a legal framework for infrastructure data publication and institutionalise transparency across procuring entities.
The publication of project information will enable citizens, businesses, journalists, and oversight institutions to monitor infrastructure investments from planning through completion, strengthening accountability and helping improve project outcomes.
Capacity building and implementation
Capacity development is central to the establishment of CoST Sokoto State.
Following approval of the State’s membership, the CoST International Secretariat supported a five-day programme in July 2026, comprising the official launch of the initiative and intensive training sessions for the Multi-Stakeholder Group and Secretariat. The programme introduced participants to the CoST approach, data publication requirements, infrastructure data standards, assurance processes, and stakeholder engagement methodologies. Experience-sharing sessions from other CoST programmes were also included to support peer learning and practical implementation.
As part of its action plan, Sokoto State plans to undertake additional capacity-building activities, including training procurement officials, media practitioners, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders to improve understanding and use of published infrastructure data.
Independent review
As implementation progresses, CoST Sokoto State will undertake independent reviews of published infrastructure data in accordance with the CoST Assurance process.
These reviews will assess the completeness and quality of disclosed information, identify opportunities to improve infrastructure delivery, and provide evidence-based recommendations to government and other stakeholders. The findings will contribute to strengthening transparency, improving procurement practices, and enhancing value for money in public infrastructure investment.
Civic engagement
Citizen participation is a central feature of the CoST Sokoto State programme.
The State plans to organise Community Town Hall meetings across its three Senatorial Districts, providing opportunities for citizens to discuss infrastructure priorities, monitor ongoing projects, and engage directly with implementing agencies. Feedback from these forums will inform government decision-making and strengthen accountability in project delivery.
CoST Sokoto State also seeks to strengthen engagement with the private sector through the proposed Fair Business Forum, where contractors, business associations, and government agencies will identify procurement bottlenecks and promote more transparent and competitive infrastructure procurement processes. Media and civil society organisations will receive specialised training to enable evidence-based reporting and advocacy using published infrastructure data.
Sustainability
Sokoto State has committed substantial domestic resources to the implementation of the CoST approach, tools and standards, with approximately 80 percent of first-year programme costs financed by the State Government and technical assistance provided through CoST International. To ensure long-term sustainability, the programme includes the development of a three-year sustainability and fundraising strategy, including integration of CoST activities into the State’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and engagement with development partners.
Get in touch
CoST Sokoto State Secretariat
Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
Usman Faruk Secretariat
Sokoto State, Nigeria
Contact:
Musa Muhammad Wamako
Director, International Cooperation
Email: musa.wamako@mbep.sk.gov.ng @ sokoto@infrastructuretransparency.org