Governor Dikko Umar Radda on Tuesday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N897.9 billion to the Katsina State House of Assembly, describing it as the most participatory and people-focused budget in the state’s history.
Speaking during the presentation at the Assembly complex, Governor Radda said the budget, themed “Building Your Future III,” is designed to consolidate his administration’s achievements in community-based development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security.
“Every project, program, 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 declared.
He explained that the 2026 fiscal proposal was preceded by extensive ward-level consultations involving 71,384 participants across 316 wards, ensuring that community voices shaped the state’s spending priorities.
“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,” Radda said.
Budget Highlights
Education received the largest allocation of N156.3 billion, followed by Works and Housing (N117.1 billion), Agriculture and Livestock (N78.6 billion), Health (N67.5 billion), Water Resources (N62.8 billion), and Environment (N53.8 billion).
These six sectors account for nearly 60 percent of the total budget, a reflection, the governor noted, of the administration’s focus on human capital development and infrastructure renewal.
The 2026 budget allocates N730.1 billion (81.32%) to capital expenditure and N167.7 billion (18.68%) to recurrent costs, a deliberate shift toward accelerating physical development.
The total figure represents a 29.7 percent increase over the 2025 budget.
“This is a pragmatic and disciplined fiscal proposal.
“Our target is to eliminate implementation deficits and ensure fiscal balance while driving sustainable growth,” the governor said.
Focus on Education and Security
Governor Radda reaffirmed plans to establish a Secondary School Management Board to enhance learning outcomes, emphasizing that education remains central to his administration’s vision.
“We are investing in teachers, schools, and facilities because the future of Katsina depends on an educated generation,” he said.
On security, Radda highlighted the success of the Community Watch Corps, which has recruited 1,100 volunteers and strengthened cooperation with federal security agencies.
“Our community-driven approach to security has restored peace in many local governments. We remain committed to safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” he added.
Performance and Partnerships
Reviewing the 2025 fiscal year, the governor reported improved budget performance across all sectors and attributed the state’s “bumper harvest season” to farmer-focused policies such as subsidized inputs, mechanization, and irrigation support.
Governor Radda expressed appreciation to Katsina’s development partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, FCDO, IsDB, AfDB, and various NGOs, for their technical and financial contributions.
He also commended the state’s civil servants and lawmakers for their “unwavering partnership in shaping a brighter Katsina.”
“The legislature’s oversight remains a pillar of our democracy.
“Together, we are building a state that listens, acts, and delivers,” he said, urging the Assembly to expedite passage of the budget.
Responding, the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Daura, praised Governor Radda for what he described as a “detailed and visionary” budget presentation.
“Your Excellency, you have maintained steady economic growth and ensured that public resources are effectively utilized for the benefit of our citizens.
“Many communities that once lived in fear have now regained stability and hope,” the Speaker remarked.
He commended the administration’s empowerment programmes targeting youths, women, and vulnerable groups, noting their role in reducing poverty and restoring public confidence.
“The House will give the budget serious and patriotic attention.
“Committees will scrutinize every allocation to ensure it remains realistic, people-oriented, and in line with the ‘Building Your Future’ blueprint,” Daura assured.
The budget presentation was attended by top members of the state executive, lawmakers, development partners, and other key stakeholders.
