Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved ₦5,713,329,170.00 for the first-cycle implementation of the Katsina State Community and Social Development Agency (KT-CARES) Additional Financing Programme.
The approvals were granted on Friday during the 19th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council for 2026, held at the Upper Chamber of the General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) House, Katsina, and presided over by Governor Radda.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, who coordinated the briefing, said the Council approved strategic interventions covering education, healthcare, livestock development, infrastructure, investment and financial services.
On KT-CARES, Dr Bala Salisu said the Council approved ₦5,713,329,170.00 for the programme’s first implementation cycle, including operational support for its implementing institutions.
“The funding will support the effective implementation of the programme, including the operational requirements of the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), the State CARES Steering Committee/Coordinating Unit and the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA),” he said.
On education, the Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Nura Katsayal, disclosed that Council approved contracts for the renovation of 19 selected secondary schools across the state.
He said the intervention was informed by development demands presented by communities during the administration’s town hall meetings across the 361 wards.
“This is part of our commitment to translating the priorities identified by communities during town hall engagements into tangible development projects,” he said.
In the livestock sector, Prof. Mohammed Bakori announced the approval for the establishment of Katsina State’s first-ever Model Veterinary Hospital.
He said the facility would strengthen animal healthcare, improve veterinary services and enhance livestock production, given the sector’s importance to the state’s economy.
“The Model Veterinary Hospital will significantly improve animal healthcare, strengthen livestock production and support the livelihoods of our people,” he explained.
On healthcare, the Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu, disclosed that Council approved the upgrading of the ongoing Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Centre at the General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital (GARSH) into a Multi-Specialty and Cancer Centre.
He said the decision followed recommendations by the State Government Inspection, Monitoring and Implementation Committee.
“The upgraded facility will expand access to specialised medical services, advanced diagnostic facilities and cancer treatment within Katsina State,” he said.
He added that the initiative formed part of the administration’s broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen specialised medical services.
On infrastructure, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, announced Council’s approval for the construction of the Danmusa Bypass and township roads, as well as the Dutsin-ma–Wakaji–Dage–Lawal–Kuki Karofi Road.
He said the projects would improve connectivity, enhance road safety and open up communities for increased economic activities.
“The projects will also facilitate security operations and improve accessibility for residents and businesses in the benefiting communities,” he said.
In a related development, the Commissioner disclosed that Council approved compensation payments to 364 property owners affected by the construction of the Rahamawa/Abattoir Road in Katsina metropolis.
He said the intervention was designed to ensure that affected property owners received appropriate compensation to facilitate the smooth execution of the project.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that affected property owners are duly compensated as part of its commitment to responsible infrastructure development,” he noted.
On investment, the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Khalil Nur Khalil, disclosed that Council approved the acquisition of a 10.71 per cent ordinary shareholding in Amani Mortgage Bank by the Katsina State Government, alongside a corresponding seat on the bank’s Board.
He explained that the investment would strengthen the state’s investment portfolio and expand its participation in the financial services sector.
“The investment will give the state a strategic stake in the bank, including representation on its Board, while strengthening its investment capacity,” he said.
Khalil added that the investment would be managed by the Katsina State Investment and Property Development Company (KIPDECO).
In another financial sector intervention, Council approved the renovation of Katsina State Amana Microfinance Bank branches across the state’s three senatorial zones, including Katsina and Daura.
The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, announced the approval, explaining that the intervention would improve the bank’s operational capacity and service delivery following its recent acquisition of a full operating licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“The renovation will strengthen the bank’s operational efficiency and enhance its capacity to provide accessible financial services to individuals and businesses across the state,” he explained.
On commerce, the Commissioner for Commerce, Yusuf Jirdede, disclosed that Council approved a downward review of registration, licensing and annual renewal fees payable by scrap dealers, retailers and vendors across the state.
He said the decision was aimed at reducing the financial burden on operators, encouraging business formalisation and improving compliance with existing regulations.
“The review will make regulatory compliance more affordable for operators while enabling government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the law governing scrap-related activities,” he said.
The decisions of the State Executive Council reflect the Radda administration’s commitment to grassroots-driven development, improved public services, infrastructure expansion and sustainable economic growth through strategic investments across Katsina State.
