The Katsina State Government is set to give starter packs to 1,169 graduating apprentices under the KASEDA/NATA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Support Programme, following fresh approvals by the State Executive Council aimed at boosting youth empowerment and economic productivity.
The approvals were granted during the 1st Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council for the year 2026, held yesterday at the Council Chamber, General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina. The meeting was chaired by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda and covered policy and project interventions across education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability and public service reforms.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Special Adviser on Public Service Reforms, Usman Isyaku, disclosed that the Council approved the implementation of recommendations contained in the report of the Committee on Private Tertiary Institutions awarding NCE and Diploma certificates in the state. According to him, the decision was taken to address quality and standards in the sector.
“This decision is aimed at strengthening quality assurance, standardisation and overall academic performance across institutions of higher learning in Katsina State,” Isyaku said.
Also speaking, the Director General of KASEDA, Dr. Babangida Ruma, announced that the Council approved the procurement of starter packs for 1,169 apprentices who are completing their training under the KASEDA/NATA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Support Programme. He explained that the move targets graduates who are ready to transition into independent work.
“This intervention is in line with the administration’s commitment to equipping youths with practical skills and tools to become self-reliant and economically productive,” Ruma stated.
In the education sector, the Council ratified the award of contracts for the completion of facilities at Jikamshi and Dumurkul Model Schools. The projects were initially started under the AGILE Project but could not be completed due to funding challenges. The approvals are expected to allow the projects to be concluded and made available for use.
“The completion of these projects will enhance learning infrastructure and improve access to quality education across the beneficiary communities,” an official explained.
On healthcare delivery, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Bashir Tanimu Gambo, said the Council ratified contracts for the procurement of 68 hospital hand-pump boreholes and 68 tricycle ambulances. The items are meant for 68 renovated Primary Healthcare Centres spread across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
“These approvals are to ensure optimal operation of the facilities and improve access to effective healthcare services, especially in rural communities,” Gambo said.
To sustain agricultural investments, the Council also approved the procurement of spare parts for tractors and operational vehicles under the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Scheme. The decision is aimed at keeping the machinery in good condition and supporting farming activities across the state.
“This is with the objective of ensuring durability, efficiency and uninterrupted service delivery in the implementation of the mechanisation programme,” an official said.
As part of ongoing public service reforms, Usman Isyaku further disclosed that the Council adopted the recommendations and decisions contained in the White Paper on the report of the Committee that screened staff of the 34 Local Government Councils, as amended. He said the move is designed to improve accountability at the local level.
“The move is targeted at sanitising the public service and strengthening efficiency and accountability at the grassroots level,” he noted.
In a major governance reform, the Director General of KATDICT, Mr. Naufal Ahmed, said the Council approved the digitalisation of procurement and contract award processes. He explained that the system will cover all stages, from tender invitation to final approvals, and will replace manual and paper-based procedures.
“The initiative is designed to promote transparency, speed, efficiency and corruption-free procedures in public procurement,” Ahmed said.
On environmental sustainability, the Special Adviser on Climate Change, Professor Alamin Muhammad, said the Council approved the full implementation of the Katsina State Green Public Procurement Executive Order, 2025. He said the policy will integrate environmental responsibility into all public procurement activities.
“Consequently, all government road and building contracts must now include provisions for tree planting, while applicants for building permits are required to indicate tree-planting plans in their designs before approvals are granted,” he explained.
On infrastructure and commerce, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said the Council approved the preparation of architectural drawings, structural assessments and Bills of Quantities for upgrading Dandume Market in Funtua Zone, Jibia Market in Katsina Zone and Mashi Market in Daura Zone. He added that approval was also given for the construction of a new modern market in Daura town.
The Council noted that the approvals align with Governor Radda’s commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Katsina State through strategic investments, institutional reforms and people-centred development under his “Building Your Future” agenda.
