From Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
The Katsina State Executive Council has approved the 2027 State Budget Proposal of N828,638,844,091.48, alongside major projects in healthcare, road infrastructure and public transportation.
The approvals were given at the 14th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council for 2026, held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Upper Chamber of the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Government House, Katsina, chaired by Governor Radda.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said the decisions of the Council were aimed at accelerating development, strengthening public services and improving the well-being of citizens across Katsina State.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Malik Anas, said the Council approved the proposed 2027 budget, tagged “Building Your Future Agenda IV,” with a total estimate of N828,638,844,091.48.
He explained that the proposal is N69,226,234,197 lower than the 2026 approved budget, reflecting the state’s projected revenue and funding position for the 2027 financial year.
According to him, the budget is expected to be financed through independent revenue of N95,772,861,855.39, capital receipts of N234,302,919,675.27, and other expected receipts of N487,807,959,918.42.
Malik added that the state is also projecting an opening balance of about N10.7 billion for the 2027 financial year.
He said 23 percent of the proposed budget is allocated to recurrent expenditure, while 77 percent is earmarked for capital expenditure.
The Commissioner said the allocation reflects the administration’s continued focus on infrastructure and development-oriented programmes.
Giving the sectoral breakdown, Malik said the Administration Sector receives 23.97 percent, the Economic Sector 35.59 percent, Law and Justice 1.11 percent, while the Social Sector receives 38.33 percent.
He said priority areas include Education, with 13.41 percent; Works, Housing and Transport, 11.22 percent; Agriculture and Livestock Development, 10.33 percent; Health, 8.41 percent; and Rural Development, 7.92 percent.
He added that the remaining Ministries, Departments and Agencies collectively account for 48.98 percent of the capital allocation.
Malik said the proposed budget is designed to support development across different sectors of the state.
He disclosed that the full details of the proposal would be made public during its formal presentation by Governor Radda to the Katsina State House of Assembly.
The Commissioner added that the Council also approved the transmission of the 2027 Budget Proposal to the House of Assembly in line with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
On healthcare, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Lawal Aliyu Rabe, said the Council approved the procurement of additional equipment for the new Advanced Imaging and Cancer Centre at the General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital (GARSH), Katsina.
He said the equipment would expand the centre’s capacity to provide modern medical, surgical, imaging, diagnostic and laboratory services.
According to him, the facility would also provide admission capacity for at least 80 patients.
Lawal said the initiative is aimed at strengthening access to specialised healthcare services within Katsina State and reducing the need for residents to seek treatment outside the country.
He added that the project is expected to significantly reduce medical tourism while improving the quality of healthcare available to residents.
On infrastructure, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, QS Umar Ismail Rugoji, said the Council approved the construction of an asphaltic wearing course road at Rafukka, within Katsina metropolis.
He explained that the road had deteriorated due to erosion, poor surface conditions and inadequate asphaltic pavement.
According to him, the project will improve connectivity, ease transportation and address challenges faced by residents and commuters in the Rafukka axis.
QS Umar also said the Council approved measures for the effective deployment and management of the 30 hybrid buses recently procured by the Radda administration for intra-city shuttle services.
He said the Council approved the engagement of a consultant to work with the Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA) on the management and operation of the buses.
The Council also approved the establishment of a dedicated Hybrid Bus Operations and Maintenance Unit within KTSTA.
He said the unit would oversee the buses, charging facilities, maintenance and other operational infrastructure.
QS Umar added that the plan includes the recruitment and training of qualified drivers and administrative staff.
He said the target is to have at least one qualified driver from each of the 34 Local Government Areas.
The Council further approved the installation of dedicated transformer substations at the three operational facilities in Katsina, Daura and Funtua.
He explained that the substations would support the existing solar inverter systems and provide reliable electricity for charging and workshop facilities.
QS Umar said the Council also approved digital fleet monitoring, revenue management, preventive maintenance and operational control systems ahead of the commencement of full-scale operations.
The decisions, he said, are part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure, improve healthcare delivery and modernise public transportation.
The projects are also expected to support the Radda administration’s broader development agenda and improve the quality of services available to citizens across Katsina State.
