The Katsina State Government has announced that it has released N3.61 billion to support community-driven development projects, leading to the rehabilitation of more than 3,900 public facilities across the state.
The State Programme Coordinator of the Community Development Programme (CDP), Associate Professor Kamaluddeen Kabir, made this known on Saturday during the programme’s first media briefing in Katsina.
Kabir explained that each of the state’s 361 political wards received N10 million to fund projects selected by residents based on their most pressing development needs.
According to him, the funds have been used to renovate schools, upgrade primary healthcare centres, restore water supply systems, install solar-powered infrastructure and carry out other community-focused projects.
He disclosed that, as of the previous month, the participating communities had completed the renovation and repair of over 3,900 public facilities, while additional projects are still underway.
Kabir noted that many schools have been restored, healthcare centres improved and abandoned water facilities brought back into operation after years of neglect.
He said the initiative, introduced by Governor Dikko Radda, was designed to strengthen grassroots development by allowing communities to decide, prioritise and implement projects that directly address local needs.
The coordinator explained that the programme is implemented through three structures: the State Steering Committee, the Joint Planning Committee and Community-Level Committees.
He said the State Steering Committee, chaired by Governor Radda, provides policy direction and overall supervision, while the Joint Planning Committee, led by the deputy governor, oversees planning and implementation.
At the grassroots level, each of the 361 political wards functions as a development community with a 17-member committee responsible for identifying priority projects, mobilising residents and validating completed interventions.
Kabir added that the committees are supported by three Community Development Officers in every ward, bringing the total number of field officers to 1,083 across the state.
He stressed that allowing communities to identify their own priorities has improved the transparency and effectiveness of government interventions, as residents are better positioned to identify genuine farmers, traders and vulnerable groups.
Kabir further revealed that the initiative has reshaped the state’s budgeting process through ward-level town hall meetings, where residents submit their development priorities.
He said all 361 wards contributed project proposals for inclusion in the 2026 budget, while consultations for the 2027 budget have already been concluded.
According to him, Governor Radda believes communities should determine the projects they need rather than having government officials make assumptions, ensuring public funds are directed towards the people’s actual priorities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is aimed at promoting inclusive development and increasing community participation in governance.