• Tasks lawmakers on oversight functions 

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has signed into law the N897 billion 2026 budget barely 21 working days after its presentation to the state House of Assembly.

Radda, on November 4, 2025, presented the sum of N897,865,078,282.05 as Appropriation Bill before the lawmakers for scrutiny and consideration for the 2026 fiscal year. 

But barely 21 working days after its presentation, the state lawmakers, led by the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, presented the same budget estimate for the governor’s assent.

While signing the budget, Governor Radda asked the lawmakers to “go after” heads of state’s ministries, agencies and departments to ensure judicious and transparent utilisation of the funds allocated to them.

“You know, we have passed the appropriation bill. The state assembly should go after them. And ask them why they have not done this, why they have not done that. And then make sure that they have done the right thing,” he said.

He emphasised that the checks and balances between the legislative and executive arms of government will enhance good governance and promote accountability.

He, however, said the 2026 budget comprises 18 per cent recurrent and 81 per cent capital, describing it as the first budget in the history of the state that has a low percentage of recurrent expenditure. 

Radda said: “You may recall we have presented the 2026 budget proposal to the state Assembly on the 4th of November 2025. 

“Today (Wednesday), the state House of Assembly, barely 21 working days, after submitting the proposal to them, they were able to pass it. 

“By the grace of God, I have signed the 2026 Budget Appropriation Bill passed by the state Assembly to the tune of N897,865,078,282. 05.”

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Daura, while presenting the budget for the governor’s assent, said it underwent intensive legislative scrutiny before passage.

He stressed that the 2026 budget represents the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens of the state, and reflected their needs for the development of the state.

“Your Excellency, you may recall that the budget you submitted to the House was N897,865,078,282.05. After careful reviews, the House agreed that the proposal was sound and in line with the development plan of this administration. Therefore the amount remains the same,” he said.

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