The Katsina State Executive Council, led by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved a fresh set of major projects and policies aimed at empowering women, providing clean water, modernizing community markets, supporting displaced persons, and strengthening the State’s agricultural and housing infrastructure.
The decisions were made during the 15th Regular Council Meeting chaired by Governor Radda at the Upper Chamber of the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina. The approvals align with the administration’s Building Your Future agenda focused on inclusive growth, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, a delegation of Commissioners led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, included Hon. Bashir Gambo Saulawa (Commissioner for Water Resources), Hon. Yusuf Haruna Jirdede (Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism), Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Tsiga (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development), and Malam Murtala Daura (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs). They highlighted the major resolutions approved by the Council and explained how these initiatives would impact communities across Katsina State.
Hon. Bashir Gambo Saulawa, Commissioner for Water Resources, announced the Council’s approval for the completion of the Zobe Dam Phase 1B Project. The project will provide potable water to Dutsin-Ma, Kankia, Charanchi, Rimi, Batagarawa, and Katsina Local Government Areas.
He described the decision as “a historic milestone that will bring lasting relief to thousands of households.”
“Once completed, this project will deliver clean and reliable water to more communities and improve living standards across the State,” he added.
Hon. Yusuf Haruna Jirdede, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, stated that the Council approved a phased rehabilitation and modernization of major community markets across all 34 Local Government Areas. According to him, at least one market in each senatorial zone will be upgraded to international standards.
“This initiative will boost commerce, expand local trade, and create new economic opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs at the grassroots level,” he said.
In the area of agriculture, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Tsiga, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, revealed that the Council approved the procurement of nine heavy-duty earth-moving machines. These machines will be used for the construction, rehabilitation, and dredging of irrigation dams across the 361 wards of the State.
“These machines will enhance irrigation farming, increase productivity, and promote food security in Katsina,” he emphasized.
Malam Murtala Daura, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, announced the approval of a large-scale Women Empowerment Programme targeting 14,450 women involved in small-scale businesses and traditional livelihoods across the 34 Local Government Areas.
“This initiative aims to strengthen women’s economic independence, boost household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth,” he said.
The Council also considered the State’s progress in climate governance. Professor Al-Amin Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, revealed that Katsina State ranked 7th out of 275 sub-national governments in Africa and 2nd in Nigeria in a continental climate performance assessment held in Ethiopia. The ranking marks a major improvement from its 25th position last year.
“This recognition is a testament to Governor Radda’s commitment and foresight in driving home-grown climate action and sustainable policies,” he noted.
Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, Commissioner for Information and Culture, also announced that the Council approved a review of the existing policy on private schools after consultations with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Katsina State Chapter.
“The reviewed policy will ensure fairness, quality assurance, and stronger collaboration between the government and private education stakeholders,” he said. He also noted that the approval came during the symbolic 15th Executive Council Meeting held on the 15th of October.
In a related development, the Council approved the adoption of the Katsina State IDP Policy and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This new policy framework will guide the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of displaced persons, ensuring their dignity and livelihood restoration.
Furthermore, the Council granted approval for the construction of a modern housing estate along the New Eastern Bypass and within the low-density layout behind the Nigerian Air Force Base, Katsina. The housing project aims to promote urban expansion, improve residential infrastructure, and provide affordable homes for the growing urban population.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango reaffirmed that all these approvals reflect Governor Radda’s vision of transforming Katsina into a model state built on innovation, inclusiveness, and resilience.
“These decisions reaffirm the government’s commitment to empowering communities, strengthening the economy, and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the State,” he concluded.
The approved projects, covering sectors like water supply, market modernization, women empowerment, housing development, and climate resilience, form an integral part of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s Building Your Future blueprint. The comprehensive roadmap focuses on security, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and community development.