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Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening water security, restoring degraded lands, and enhancing the resilience of frontline communities as he handed over the site for the ₦14.05 billion Water Conservation Structures Project at Sabon Layin Galadima in Faskari Local Government Area.
The ceremony, held today in Sabon Garin Galadima, Faskari LGA, marks another significant milestone under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Programme—one of the State’s flagship initiatives for combating climate change, desertification, and environmental degradation.
In his address, Governor Radda said the project forms a central pillar of his administration’s “Build Your Future” vision aimed at restoring trust, rebuilding livelihoods, and securing the long-term stability of communities across Katsina State.
He stressed that the initiative is far more than physical construction, describing it as “a commitment to securing the future of our people, strengthening peaceful coexistence and enhancing agricultural productivity.”
Governor Radda emphasized that effective water conservation remains crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), boosting food production, supporting pastoral and livestock communities, expanding domestic water access, and building resilience against extreme climate conditions.
In the last two years, ACReSAL has brought major improvements to Katsina State. The project restored more than 30,000 hectares of damaged land and supported over one million people across the state. It also completed important works like stormwater drainage in Katsina, riverbank protection in Jibia, and water-harvesting structures behind Ambassador Quarters. Drainages were cleared in Katsina, Jibia, Malumfashi and Funtua to reduce flooding and improve hygiene.
ACReSAL also boosted water supply, farming and environmental recovery. The state built 180 solar boreholes, deployed a swamp buggy to dredge dams, and supplied 80,000 tons of fertilizer, 38 tractors, improved seeds and farming tools. It also bought waste-disposal trucks and other machines to support cleaner communities. The nurseries in Dikke, Kabukawa and Daura were revived, producing thousands of new seedlings for planting. Energy-saving stoves and ICT support were also given to MDAs to help them work better.
He noted that these interventions collectively advance Katsina’s agricultural resilience, water management systems, and environmental restoration efforts.
Governor Radda assured that his administration will maintain transparency, accountability and rigorous supervision throughout the implementation of the Faskari Water Conservation Project. He emphasized that every stage of construction will be monitored to ensure value for money and long-term sustainability.
The Governor thanked the Federal Government, the World Bank, and all development partners supporting the ACReSAL Programme. He also commended the Honourable Commissioner of Environment and the State Project Management Unit for their dedication and professionalism.
To the people of Sabon Layin Galadima and the wider Faskari LGA, Governor Radda issued a call for community ownership, urging residents to protect and safeguard the project for the benefit of present and future generations.
Governor Radda formally handed over the site to Messrs. International Consolidated Contractors Offshore (ICCO) and Badawi Azour Trading & Contracting (BATCO) Joint Venture, with an 18-month completion timeline and a total contract sum of ₦14,058,722,072.61. He further assured that the Dam Safety Report will be released soon to guide proper implementation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Hamza Suleiman Faskari, said the handing over of the site for the water conservation structures in Sabon Layin Galadima, Faskari LGA, is an important step under the ACRESAL project. He explained that the project is aimed at tackling climate change, desertification, and water scarcity in semi-arid areas.
He noted that the project shows Governor Dikko Umaru Radda commitment to protecting the environment and improving the lives of rural communities. According to him, the structures will support farming, boost food security, reduce land degradation, and help the community withstand climate challenges. He added that the project also represents hope for the people of Faskari.
He thanked Governor Radda for his support and appreciated the ACRESAL team, development partners, staff of the Ministry of Environment, and traditional rulers for their cooperation. The Commissioner urged the community to take care of the structures and ensure they are maintained for long-term use.
Similarly, the Acresal Project Coordinator, Yusha’u El-Sunais Sani, He explained that the structure is a major project approved and supported by His Excellency, and it stands as one of the most impactful interventions in the area.
He noted that the structure has a storage capacity of 700,000 cubic meters of water, making it one of the significant water bodies serving the community. According to him, the project will improve livelihoods, strengthen food security, and support the Governor’s agenda of reducing pollution and boosting agricultural productivity across the state. He added that the water body will also aid the next phase of irrigation activities and align with wider efforts to expand modern irrigation systems.
He thanked His Excellency leadership, support, and interventions aimed at improving the state’s economy, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The Coordinator also acknowledged other ACRESAL and state initiatives, including climate-smart systems and new irrigation infrastructure designed to support future agricultural and environmental projects.
The Managing Director of ICCO & BATCO (JV) described Katsina State as a place of strength, history, and kind-hearted people.
He noted that this project is another addition to the ongoing development efforts under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. He thanked the Governor for trusting ICCO/BATCO with the work and praised his leadership for driving growth and securing a better future for the people.
He assured that the company will deliver the project quickly, with quality and full commitment. He also confirmed that the work will be completed within 18 months. He further appreciated Hon. Commissioner Hamza and the ICC Project Implementation Team in Katsina for their support and professionalism.
Those in attendance included: The Secretary to the Government of the State, Abdullahi Garba Faskari; the Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the Member representing Kankara, Faskari and Sabuwa Shehu Dalhatu tafoki; and other members of the Katsina State Executive Council, among others.
Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the State Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Commissiner of internal Security, Dr.Nasir Muazu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs Hon Bishir Tanimu Gambo and that of Religious Affairs, Alh. Isiaq Shehu Dabai, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor Hon Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the APC Chairman, Salisu Bala JB; the APC Deputy Chairman, Bala Abu; the Chairman of Gwagware Foundation, Yusuf Ali Musawa; District Heads of Mai Ruwa and Faskari.
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