Gov. Radda reaffirms commitment to Public reform
By Ejire Folakunmi
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to comprehensive public service reform aimed at sanitising the civil service and enhancing efficiency across the state.
The governor made this known while hosting a delegation of heads of local government administration, treasurers, and directors at the Government House. The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Usman Aliyu Maska.
Radda said the reform agenda is designed to strengthen service delivery at both state and local government levels, stressing that professionalism, accountability, and competence remain central to his administration’s vision.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring improved service delivery at both the state and local government levels,” the governor stated.
As part of ongoing reforms, Radda disclosed that competency examinations have been introduced for permanent secretaries to promote merit, efficiency, and accountability within the system. He added that the state government has also revitalised the College of Administration in Funtua to enhance the training and retraining of civil servants.
According to him, three additional capacity-building centres have been established to provide continuous professional development for teachers, particularly during school holidays.
While acknowledging improved discipline across local government councils, the governor issued a stern warning against financial misconduct.
“Do not divert funds meant for specific projects. Such acts constitute financial misconduct and are punishable by dismissal,” he warned.
Radda further directed the Special Adviser on Local Government Inspectorate to collaborate with council chairmen to ensure the provision of official vehicles for heads of local government administration and directors, as part of efforts to strengthen operational efficiency.
In their remarks, stakeholders commended the governor’s reform initiatives, describing them as impactful and forward-looking.
Maska noted that the reforms have created a level playing field and improved service delivery at the grassroots, adding that Katsina is gradually becoming a reference point for effective governance and development policies.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in the state, Nasiru Wada, praised the administration’s policy direction, particularly initiatives aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
He highlighted the introduction of a pension scheme designed to enhance the well-being of retirees, describing it as a major step toward strengthening confidence in the system. Wada also commended the appointment of a Special Adviser on Local Government Inspectorate to address concerns arising from the recent screening of local government staff.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Heads of Local Government Forum, Mukhtar Aminu Bakori, lauded the governor for granting financial autonomy to local governments, noting that the move has enhanced grassroots governance.
He, however, appealed for the timely release of funds to enable councils to procure official vehicles for directors and called for the revival of overseas training programmes for local government officials to further build capacity.
The engagement underscores the administration’s focus on institutional reform, transparency, and strengthening governance structures at all levels in Katsina State.