Katsina Prioritises Capital Projects, Grassroots Development In N828.64bn 2027 Budget

Capital projects and grassroots development have taken the centre stage in Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s proposed N828.64 billion budget for 2027, with nearly 77 per cent of the total expenditure earmarked for development projects.

The proposed appropriation, presented by Governor Radda to the Katsina State House of Assembly yesterday, is themed “Building Your Future IV” and represents the fourth edition of the administration’s annual development agenda.

Of the total budget, N637.91 billion, representing 76.98 per cent, is proposed for capital expenditure, while N190.73 billion is allocated to recurrent expenditure.

A major feature of the proposed budget is the administration’s decision to link development projects more directly to residents’ priorities across the state.

Radda said the 2027 proposal was shaped by the people’s demands gathered during the Citizens’ Budget exercise conducted from Katsina’s 361 wards.

According to him, each ward will benefit from a special project selected by its residents, a move aimed at ensuring that government spending reflects the needs of the communities rather than being determined solely in the state capital.

The governor described the proposal as the most participatory budget in Katsina State’s history.
“This budget is built around the priorities of our people and reflects our commitment to inclusive and grassroots development,” he said.

Education received the largest share of key capital investment, with N83.82 billion proposed for the sector.

Works and Housing followed with N71.60 billion, while agriculture and livestock received N65.88 billion.
The government also proposed N53.64 billion for health and N50.51 billion for rural development.

The emphasis on education, agriculture, rural development and infrastructure reflects the priorities of the Radda administration, which assumed office in 2023 amid growing concerns over insecurity, poverty and limited infrastructure in several parts of the state.

Katsina, which shares an international border with the Republic of Niger and borders states including Zamfara, Kaduna and Kano, has faced persistent security challenges, particularly banditry and kidnappings in several frontline local government areas.

The state has also continued to grapple with the need to improve rural infrastructure, expand access to education and healthcare, and strengthen agriculture, which remains a major source of livelihood for a large proportion of its population.

Providing a breakdown of the sectoral allocations, Radda said the Social Sector received the highest overall allocation of ₦317.73 billion, representing 38.34 per cent of the proposed budget.

The Economic Sector was allocated ₦303.17 billion, or 36.59 per cent, while the Administrative Sector received ₦198.55 billion, representing 23.96 per cent.

Law and Justice received ₦9.19 billion, representing 1.11 per cent of the total proposal.

The governor said the state expects to generate ₦583.58 billion in recurrent revenue and ₦234.30 billion in capital receipts to finance the proposed expenditure.

Although the proposed 2027 budget is 7.71 per cent lower than the approved budget for 2026, Radda said recurrent revenue was projected to increase by 1.03 per cent as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s fiscal sustainability.

He attributed the state’s improving revenue outlook to increased receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), reforms in internally generated revenue and measures introduced to block financial leakages through the Treasury Single Account.

Reviewing the implementation of the 2026 budget, Radda said the state had recorded ₦267.47 billion in recurrent revenue as of 28 August, representing a performance level of 44.16 per cent.

Total expenditure during the period stood at ₦295.19 billion, representing 32.88 per cent of the budget performance.

The governor said his administration would continue to prioritise security, education, healthcare, agriculture and rural infrastructure, describing them as critical to improving living conditions and stimulating economic growth across the state.

He urged members of the Katsina State House of Assembly to give the 2027 Appropriation Bill speedy consideration, expressing confidence that effective implementation of the budget would promote inclusive development and improve the welfare of residents.

The proposed budget now awaits legislative consideration and approval by the State House of Assembly before it can become the financial framework for government spending in 2027.