Gov Radda presents ₦897.9 Billion 2026 Budget to Katsina Assembly

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State on Tuesday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦897.9 billion to the State House of Assembly, describing it as the most participatory and people-centered budget in the state’s history.

Speaking at the assembly complex, Radda said the budget, themed “Building Your Future III,” was designed to strengthen his administration’s focus on community development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security.

“Every project, programme, and initiative encapsulated in this budget is designed to directly improve the lives of our citizens. We remain resolute in ensuring that the benefits of governance reach every corner of our state — urban or rural alike,” the governor said.

Radda explained that the 2026 budget was preceded by ward-level consultations involving 71,384 participants across 316 wards, ensuring citizens’ voices guided fiscal decisions. “Our administration personally supervised the participatory budgeting process across 361 communities, engaging 6,649 households. This marks the first time in Katsina’s history that citizens’ priorities form the foundation of a state budget,” he added.

Education received the largest allocation of ₦156.3 billion, followed by Works and Housing (₦117.1bn), Agriculture and Livestock (₦78.6bn), Health (₦67.5bn), Water Resources (₦62.8bn), and Environment (₦53.8bn). These six sectors account for nearly 60% of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on human capital and infrastructure.

Radda also announced plans to establish a Secondary School Management Board to reform the state’s education system. “We are investing in teachers, schools, and facilities because the future of Katsina depends on an educated generation,” he said.

Of the total budget, ₦730.1 billion (81.32%) is earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦167.7 billion (18.68%) goes to recurrent costs — a 29.7% increase from 2025, aimed at accelerating physical development. “This is a pragmatic and disciplined fiscal proposal. Our target is to eliminate implementation deficits and ensure fiscal balance while driving sustainable growth,” he noted.

Reflecting on the 2025 budget performance, Radda highlighted achievements in agriculture, including a bumper harvest from policies supporting farmers with subsidized seeds, fertilizer, and mechanization. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to security through the Community Watch Corps and collaboration with federal agencies.

“Our community-driven approach to security has restored peace in many local governments. We remain committed to safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” the governor said.

He thanked development partners such as the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, FCDO, ISDB, AFDB, and several NGOs for their support, while commending civil servants and lawmakers for their cooperation.

“We have met our constitutional obligation by submitting a budget that reflects the aspirations of our people. I trust this Honourable House will act swiftly so that we can continue serving our citizens effectively,” Radda appealed.

In his response, Speaker Nasir Daura commended the governor’s “detailed and visionary” presentation, praising his administration for promoting growth and restoring stability across the state. “Your Excellency, you have maintained steady economic growth and ensured that public resources are effectively utilized for the benefit of our citizens,” Daura said.

The Speaker assured that the House would review the budget diligently and ensure a timely passage. “This Honourable House reaffirms its loyalty to the people and readiness to work hand in hand with the Executive to ensure effective implementation of the budget,” he pledged.

The presentation was attended by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, and key stakeholders.