The Katsina State Executive Council has approved the domestication of the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment and the drilling of 3,000 tube-wells across the state’s three senatorial zones as part of efforts to promote inclusive growth, boost agriculture and improve access to potable water.
The approvals were granted at the council’s fourth regular meeting for 2026 held at the Government House, Katsina, and presided over by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said the decisions reflected the administration’s commitment to strengthening livelihoods, empowering vulnerable groups and ensuring sustainable access to essential services.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, said the council approved the commencement of procedures to domesticate the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Katsina State.
She explained that the policy would promote women’s participation in economic activities as employees, entrepreneurs and leaders across various sectors, while reducing gender disparities and expanding opportunities for women in the state.
According to her, adapting the national framework to local realities would ensure more inclusive economic growth and strengthen women’s contribution to the state’s development.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle, said the council approved the drilling of 3,000 free tube-wells — 1,000 in each senatorial zone — to support irrigation and farming activities.
He described the project as a strategic intervention to enhance dry-season farming, support smallholder farmers and improve food security through better access to water.
In a related development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Malam Dasuki Abubakar, said the council approved the procurement of water treatment chemicals to cover the fourth quarter of 2025 and part of the first quarter of 2026.
He noted that the chemicals would be supplied to water treatment plants to sustain the provision of clean and safe drinking water in the state capital and other communities, preventing disruptions in operations and supporting public health efforts.
The council reaffirmed that the measures align with the administration’s broader agenda on women’s empowerment, agricultural development and improved delivery of basic services across Katsina State.
