The Katsina State Government has directed all political office holders and public officials to participate in ward-level town hall meetings across the state’s 361 wards as part of preparations for the 2027 Citizens Budget.
The directive, approved by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, was conveyed in a circular signed by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal, and addressed to the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state for onward transmission to all local government chairmen.
According to the circular, the Community Needs Assessment meetings are designed to gather grassroots development priorities to inform the preparation of the 2027 budget and promote inclusive planning.
The government made participation mandatory for all political appointees and public office holders at both the state and local government levels, stressing that no official is exempt from the exercise.
The circular also directed all local government chairmen to mobilise residents and personally attend the meetings in their respective wards.
It further stated that the most senior public service officer in each ward would chair the meeting and oversee proper coordination, orderly conduct, documentation and submission of reports on the outcome of the engagements.
The town hall meetings are scheduled to hold simultaneously across the state on Saturday, July 18, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at designated ward or community centres.
The state government instructed local government chairmen to take full responsibility for the successful organisation and conduct of the meetings, describing the directive as one that should be treated with utmost urgency and importance.
The initiative is expected to provide residents with an opportunity to directly contribute to government planning by identifying priority projects and development needs in their communities.
