Katsina Approves Women, Water Policies At 4th Council Meeting

The Katsina State Executive Council has approved a series of policy and development measures aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation, enhancing agricultural productivity, and sustaining access to potable water across the state.

The decisions were reached at the 4th Regular Meeting of the State Executive Council for 2026, held at the Government House and presided over by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said the approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

He explained that the council deliberated on policies and projects designed to improve livelihoods, empower vulnerable groups, and ensure the continuity of essential services.

A major highlight of the meeting was the approval to commence procedures for the domestication of the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, said the policy would provide a structured framework for expanding women’s participation in economic activities across multiple sectors.

She noted that aligning the national policy with Katsina’s local realities would help reduce gender-based disparities and unlock greater opportunities for women as entrepreneurs, employees, and leaders.

According to her, the initiative is expected to promote inclusive growth while ensuring that women are not left behind in broader economic reforms.

The council also approved the drilling of 3,000 free tube-wells across the state’s three senatorial zones. Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Aliyu Lawal Shargalle, described the intervention as a strategic effort to support farmers through improved access to water for irrigation.

He said the project would particularly benefit smallholder farmers by boosting dry-season farming activities and increasing food production.

Shargalle added that expanding irrigation infrastructure remains central to the government’s agricultural development strategy and food security objectives.

In the water sector, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Malam Dasuki Abubakar, disclosed that the council approved the procurement of water treatment chemicals to cover the fourth quarter of 2025 and part of the first quarter of 2026.

He said the approval was necessary to sustain the operations of water treatment plants and prevent disruptions in the supply of clean and safe drinking water.

Abubakar stressed that maintaining water quality is critical to public health and sanitation, particularly in urban centres and densely populated communities.

The Executive Council reaffirmed that the decisions align with Governor Radda’s broader agenda of promoting social inclusion, empowering women, supporting agricultural growth, and improving access to basic services.

The meeting underscores the administration’s ongoing efforts to balance social policy reforms with infrastructure and service sustainability across Katsina State.