Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Wednesday signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, marking what officials describe as a milestone in transparency, fiscal discipline and citizen-driven planning.
The bill—passed by the State House of Assembly on November 25 after 21 working days of legislative scrutiny—retains its original size of ₦897.86 billion. The budget allocates 81 per cent to capital projects, the highest in the state’s history, while recurrent expenditure stands at 18 per cent, the lowest recorded so far.
Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony at Government House, Radda said the budget was shaped directly by communities across all 361 wards, where more than 78,000 citizens participated in consultations to identify priority projects. He said this grassroots process eliminated conflict during budget defence and ensured the final document aligned with public demand.
“We simply documented, aligned and delivered what the people themselves prioritised,” the governor said, describing the 2026 fiscal plan as “the budget of the people.”
The governor praised the House of Assembly for what he called an unprecedented level of commitment, noting that lawmakers worked through holidays, including holding joint sessions in Kano, to meet the early passage target. He added that the Assembly had passed more bills in the last two years than many state legislatures nationwide.
Radda also acknowledged the judiciary for sustaining what he described as a rare synergy among all arms of government in Katsina.
On security, the governor said recent briefings showed a sharp reduction in major incidents, attributing the improvement to community cooperation and targeted interventions. He disclosed that insurgency-related medical bills had dropped from more than ₦40 million monthly to under ₦2 million, with fewer cases of abductions and killings reported.
He added that the improved security situation had boosted agricultural activities, with farmers now leaving harvested produce openly without fear—something he said was unthinkable two years ago. Radda further highlighted large-scale support to farmers across 6,652 polling units, where fertiliser, seeds, pumping machines and other inputs were distributed through community committees.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agriculture, security, institutional reforms and grassroots engagement, pledging timely and transparent implementation of the new budget.
Earlier, Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, formally presented the bill to the governor. He said lawmakers thoroughly examined the document and retained the original figure because it reflected the genuine needs of citizens.
The Speaker congratulated Radda for being the first governor in Nigeria to sign the 2026 budget into law and prayed for peace, guidance and successful implementation.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of the state executive council, lawmakers and other key stakeholders.
This report is based on information released by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.
