Governor Radda signs historic 2026 budget, reaffirms Katsina’s leadership in people-driven governance

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Katsina State Governor, Mal Dikko Umaru Radda has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, marking a historic moment in transparency, fiscal discipline, and citizen-driven development planning.

The signing comes after a record-setting budget process that has once again positioned Katsina as a national leader in public governance.

In his address after signed the bill into law, Governor Radda thanked Almighty Allah for granting the state the opportunity to witness the successful completion of the 2026 budget cycle.

He emphasized that Katsina’s 2026 budget stands as one of the most forward-looking and people-centered financial instruments in its history.

The Governor highlighted that Katsina became the first sub-national government in Nigeria to submit its 2026 budget proposal, presenting it to the State House of Assembly on 4th November 2025.

He commended the lawmakers for completing all legislative work on the 21 working days and passing the Bill on 25th November 2025, enabling today’s early signing.

Governor Radda announced that the 2026 Appropriation Act stands at ₦897,865,078,282.05, with a groundbreaking structure: 18% recurrent expenditure — the lowest in Katsina’s history; 81% capital expenditure — the highest ever recorded in the state

He explained that this fiscal discipline aligns with, and even surpasses, the benchmark set by the law introduced during the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, which capped recurrent spending at 30%, noting his lasting impact on prudent public financial management.

Governor Radda delivered strong commendations to the Katsina State House of Assembly for what he described as “unprecedented commitment, sacrifice, and patriotic service.”

He noted that the lawmakers worked even during holidays—holding sessions, scrutinizing documents, and engaging in joint meetings including sessions held in Kano—to ensure the timely passage of the budget.

According to him, the Assembly has passed more bills in the last two years than many legislatures across Nigeria, strengthening institutions and ensuring that governance in Katsina is anchored on law, order, and accountability.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to the Judiciary for providing justice, stability, and institutional support that sustains the synergy among all arms of government.

He described Katsina as a state where the executive, legislature, and judiciary work in rare harmony.

Governor Radda emphasized that the 2026 budget is a full people’s budget, shaped directly by citizen participation. This year, the government conducted consultations across all 361 wards, a step forward from last year’s zonal engagements.

He explained that over 78,000 citizens took part in ward-level town halls where communities outlined their priority needs. The Governor hinted that next year, consultations may go further down to polling units to deepen grassroots participation.

He noted that because the budget was derived directly from community demands, the legislative process was free of controversy, conflict, or misunderstanding. “The people themselves provided the priorities,” he said. “Our duty was simply to document, align, and deliver.”

Reflecting on Katsina’s rich legacy of excellence, the Governor reminded the audience that the state’s leadership pedigree predates colonial rule and continues into the present.

Katsina has produced two democratically elected Nigerian Presidents, a Head of State, several Chief Justices of Nigeria, Presidents of the Court of Appeal, multiple Inspectors-General of Police, and an array of leaders across business, academia, diplomacy, and public service.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to uphold and expand this legacy.

Governor Radda extended appreciation to religious leaders, traditional rulers, community heads, political leaders, elders, and the entire people of the state for their unwavering support.

He also applauded the press for its professionalism, balanced reporting, and constructive criticism—which he described as essential for good governance.

Turning to security, Governor Radda highlighted significant improvements across the state. He stated that recent security briefings show no major incidents in days, noting that community peace initiatives are yielding measurable results. He revealed that insurgency-related hospital bills have dropped from over ₦40 million monthly to less than ₦2 million, while support for families of kidnapped or slain victims has also seen a sharp decline.

“These improvements are not accidental; they are the product of sustained intervention, community cooperation, and strategic security coordination,” he said.

He described the ongoing agricultural bumper harvest as another visible indicator of growing peace. Farmers now leave beans, sorghum, and guinea corn openly on rocks and roadsides without fear—something that was impossible two years ago when produce left overnight would disappear by morning. He encouraged critics who doubt the progress to visit their home communities and witness the transformation firsthand.

Governor Radda reaffirmed that his administration will continue to invest in agriculture, security, institutional reforms, and grassroots engagement to ensure that Katsina remains stable, productive, and forward-looking.

With the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Act, he assured the people that implementation will be timely, transparent, and firmly aligned with their expressed needs.

In his concluding remarks, Governor Radda said the improved security in Katsina did not happen by chance but came from deliberate government actions and closer work with communities.

He added that the government also gave big agricultural support down to all 6,652 polling units, where community committees shared fertiliser, pumping machines, insecticides, seeds, and other inputs. This transparent method reduced complaints and made sure real farmers got the help they deserved.

Earlier, the Speaker Hon Nasir Yahaya Daura; presented the 2026 Appropriation Law to Governor Radda on behalf of all House Members. He said the budget was carefully checked, questions were asked, and stakeholders were engaged to make sure it reflects the real needs of Katsina people.

He added that the original figure of ₦897,865,078,282.05 was kept unchanged because the House found it sound and in line with the government’s plans.

The Speaker prayed for Allah to guide the implementation, bless the state with peace and security, and congratulated the Governor for being the first in Nigeria to sign the 2026 budget into law.

The event was attended by top members of the state executive, Katsina State lawmakers and other key stakeholders.