Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda
In a significant move to strengthen grassroots governance, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has been lauded for releasing N11.9 billion to the state’s 34 local government areas (LGAs), granting each N350 million to execute transformative projects.
This financial empowerment, which aligns with the push for local government autonomy in Nigeria, comes at a time when Katsina faces challenges such as erosion, healthcare deficits, and insecurity. The funds have enabled LGAs to undertake critical initiatives, enhancing the welfare of residents and fostering community-driven development.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Ya’u Gwajo-Gwajo, praised Radda’s leadership in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday.
Governor Radda’s commitment to local autonomy reflects a broader effort to ensure that LGAs have the resources and independence to address local needs effectively, setting a precedent for decentralized governance in the state.
“Governor Radda’s decision to release N350 million to each of the 34 LGAs, totaling N11.9 billion, has empowered local councils to implement impactful projects that uplift the lives of their people,” Gwajo-Gwajo said.
He highlighted that the funds have facilitated erosion control measures, healthcare facility upgrades, and community-driven religious and security initiatives.
According to Gwajo-Gwajo, each LGA allocated N200 million to combat gully erosion, protecting farmlands, homes, and community lands at the onset of the rainy season.
Additionally, N100 million per LGA was used to renovate and equip one primary health care centre and one dispensary in each ward, improving access to essential medical services.
“These projects are directly improving living conditions across Katsina,” Gwajo-Gwajo noted.
The funds also supported cultural and security efforts, with N30 million per LGA allocated for renovating mosques, repairing graveyards, and organizing special prayers for peace, as requested by local Islamic scholars. In areas plagued by insecurity, LGAs have used the funds to provide logistics and allowances for hunters and vigilante groups to bolster community safety.
“These resources are managed by the LGAs themselves, as the governor insists on due process and the rule of law, granting them the autonomy to decide how to best serve their communities,” Gwajo-Gwajo emphasized.
The initiative underscores Radda’s commitment to transparency and local governance, allowing LGAs to cover salaries, operational costs, and projects in sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“The governor’s approach ensures that local councils have the freedom to prioritize their people’s needs while adhering to legal and financial accountability,” Gwajo-Gwajo added.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the release of N11.9 billion to Katsina’s LGAs aligns with Nigeria’s constitutional framework, particularly Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates financial autonomy for local governments. By ensuring that LGAs directly manage their funds, Governor Radda complies with a 2024 Supreme Court ruling affirming local government autonomy, which prohibits state interference in LGA allocations.
Non-compliance could lead to legal challenges, including lawsuits from LGAs or federal authorities for violating constitutional provisions.
The transparent allocation of funds also mitigates risks of financial mismanagement, which could trigger audits or prosecution under anti-corruption laws like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act.
