Deputy Governor Faruq Jobe Details ₦36.8B Security Spend, KAGIS Launch, and Solar Projects in Monthly Briefing
Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe Deputy governor of Katsina state
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times. Katsina, April 22, 2025
The Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Faruq Lawal Jobe, has unveiled significant strides by the state government in internal security, land administration, and power supply during the fifth edition of the monthly press briefing, held at Alhaji Sa’idu Barda House on Tuesday.
Speaking to members of the press, the Deputy Governor attributed the administration's progress to the guidance of Almighty Allah and the visionary leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD. He highlighted the administration's focus as anchored in its strategic policy document, Building Your Future.
Addressing the critical challenge of insecurity, Jobe announced that the state has invested heavily in both kinetic and non-kinetic security measures. One of the notable achievements includes the establishment of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and the creation of a new Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
In collaboration with the 34 local government areas, the state spent ₦36.8 billion on security-related interventions. These include:
- Procurement of 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 65 patrol vehicles, and 700 motorcycles.
- Distribution of 1,900 tactical combat gear.
- Recruitment, training, and equipping of Community Watch Corps members and vigilante groups.
- Deployment of 550 corps members across 10 high-risk LGAs.
- Engagement of 1,500 vigilantes and 200 civilian hunters to support conventional forces.
The administration also implemented social cohesion initiatives, including the mobilization of 7,545 religious leaders and over 17,000 traditional and local-level peace advocates.
A Peace Summit hosted in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also resulted in the formulation of a comprehensive regional security framework for the northwest.
Financial aid and medical assistance totaling ₦985.9 million have been provided to 2,286 victims of banditry and internally displaced persons (IDPs), signaling the administration’s commitment to humanitarian response.
Jobe emphasized the government's resolve to modernize land administration through digital reforms. A key initiative is the establishment of the Katsina State Geographic Information Service (KAGIS) to replace the outdated manual system.
The government invested ₦859.5 million in the KAGIS project, which includes procurement of hardware, software development, and secure certificate printing by the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company.
To ensure fiscal and urban planning aligns with future growth, the administration initiated the review of master plans for Katsina, Funtua, and Daura—originally designed in the 1970s. A total of ₦315.3 million has been allocated to update these plans for the period 2025–2040, with plans to review others by 2026.
In addition, ₦725 million was spent on revitalizing the Katsina Urban and Regional Planning Board and procuring heavy machinery to improve development control and infrastructure expansion.
The Deputy Governor also announced efforts to strengthen the power sector by expanding access to reliable electricity, especially in public institutions. The administration prioritized solar-powered solutions for schools, hospitals, and government offices as part of its strategy to stimulate socio-economic growth.
Mallam Jobe concluded that the ongoing initiatives are already yielding positive results, especially in areas previously affected by banditry. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to delivering lasting peace, sustainable urban development, and inclusive access to critical infrastructure.
