Katsina State Executive Council has approved key policies and projects to empower women, modernize markets, improve water supply, and strengthen rural economy.
The decisions, which align with the administration’s Building Your Future agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, were reached on Wednesday during the 15th Regular Council Meeting chaired by Governor Radda at the Upper Chamber of the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, a delegation of Commissioners led by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, included Hon. Bashir Gambo Saulawa (Commissioner for Water Resources), Hon. Yusuf Haruna Jirdede (Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism), Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Tsiga (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development), and Malam Murtala Daura (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs). The team outlined the Council’s key resolutions and highlighted their anticipated impact on communities across the State.
Hon. Bashir Gambo Saulawa, Commissioner for Water Resources, announced the Council’s approval for the completion of the Zobe Dam Phase 1B Project, which will provide potable water to Dutsin-Ma, Kankia, Charanchi, Rimi, Batagarawa, and Katsina Local Government Areas.
He described the decision as “a historic milestone that will bring lasting relief to thousands of households.”
“Once completed, this project will deliver clean and reliable water to more communities and improve living standards across the State,” he added.
Hon. Yusuf Haruna Jirdede, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, revealed that the Council approved a phased rehabilitation and modernization of major community markets across all 34 Local Government Areas.
He explained that at least one market in each senatorial zone will be upgraded to international standards, saying:
“This initiative will boost commerce, expand local trade, and create new economic opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs at the grassroots level.”
Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Tsiga, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, disclosed that the Council approved the procurement of nine heavy-duty earth-moving machines to support the construction, rehabilitation, and dredging of irrigation dams across the 361 wards of the State.
“These machines will enhance irrigation farming, increase productivity, and promote food security in Katsina,” he emphasized.
Malam Murtala Daura, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, announced the approval of a large-scale Women Empowerment Programme targeting 14,450 women involved in small-scale businesses and traditional livelihoods across the 34 Local Government Areas.
“This initiative aims to strengthen women’s economic independence, boost household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth,” he said.
Professor Al-Amin Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, also briefed journalists on Katsina’s recent achievements in climate governance.
He revealed that Katsina State ranked 7th out of 275 sub-national governments in Africa and 2nd in Nigeria during a continental climate performance assessment held in Ethiopia a remarkable leap from its 25th position last year.
“This recognition is a testament to Governor Radda’s commitment and foresight in driving home-grown climate action and sustainable policies,” he noted.
Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, Commissioner for Information and Culture, further announced the Council’s approval for a review of the existing policy on private schools, following consultations with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Katsina State Chapter.
“The reviewed policy will ensure fairness, quality assurance, and stronger collaboration between the government and private education stakeholders,” he said, noting that the approval came during the symbolic 15th Executive Council Meeting held on the 15th of October.
The Council also approved the adoption of the Katsina State IDP Policy and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), providing a clear framework for protecting, rehabilitating, and reintegrating displaced persons while restoring their dignity and livelihoods.
In addition, approval was granted for the construction of a modern housing estate along the New Eastern Bypass and within the low-density layout behind the Nigerian Air Force Base, Katsina, to promote urban expansion and improve residential infrastructure.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango reaffirmed that all these approvals reflect Governor Radda’s vision of transforming Katsina into a model state built on innovation, inclusiveness, and resilience.
“These decisions reaffirm the government’s commitment to empowering communities, strengthening the economy, and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the State,” he concluded.
All the approved projects form an integral part of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s Building Your Future blueprint a comprehensive roadmap for security, infrastructure renewal, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.