Education, Works, Agriculture, Health top priorities
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Daily Trust
The Katsina State Government has proposed a budget of ₦897.8 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, with a remarkable 81 per cent allocated to capital expenditure aimed at accelerating infrastructure development across the state.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Government House, shortly after Governor Dikko Umaru Radda presented the appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly.
Anas, who addressed journalists alongside the Commissioner for Information, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, said the 2026 budget, titled “Building Your Future III”, represents a 30 per cent increase over the 2025 budget.
He explained that ₦730.1 billion, representing 81.32 per cent of the total budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦167.7 billion (18.68%) will go to recurrent spending.
“The 2026 budget is ₦205.6 billion higher than that of 2025. This increase reflects our expanded focus on transforming Katsina through strategic investments in key sectors,” Anas stated.
He said the budget aims to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the state’s long-term development agenda through infrastructure renewal, human capital development, and social welfare initiatives.
The commissioner also revealed that the state expects total revenue of ₦897.8 billion, ensuring a balanced budget. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is projected at ₦88.5 billion, with the Board of Internal Revenue contributing ₦41.1 billion, MDAs ₦13.1 billion, and self-sustained revenues ₦14.2 billion.
From the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Katsina anticipates ₦489.1 billion, covering statutory allocation (₦100.7bn), VAT (₦139.9bn), excess crude (₦15.7bn), exchange difference (₦8.5bn), and infrastructure support (₦60.2bn), among others.
He added that the budget includes an opening balance of ₦28 billion and capital receipts—both external and internal—amounting to ₦292.1 billion.
Anas noted that ₦167.7 billion in recurrent expenditure will cover personnel costs and salaries (₦72.2bn) and other overheads (₦95.5bn).
Out of the ₦730.1 billion earmarked for capital projects:
Economic Sector: ₦321.3bn (44.01%)
Social Sector: ₦283.8bn (38.87%)
Administrative Sector: ₦122.3bn (16.75%)
Law and Justice Sector: ₦2.7bn (0.37%)
He listed six key ministries as top beneficiaries:
Education: ₦156.2bn (17.41%)
Works, Housing & Transport: ₦117.1bn (13.05%)
Agriculture & Livestock Development: ₦78.6bn (8.76%)
Health: ₦67.5bn (7.52%)
Water Resources: ₦62.8bn (7.00%)
Environment: ₦53.8bn (6.00%)
Together, these ministries account for ₦536.3 billion, representing nearly 60 per cent of the total budget.
Anas reaffirmed that the 2026 budget is strategically designed to create jobs, revitalise infrastructure, empower citizens economically, and promote social inclusion in line with Governor Radda’s development blueprint.
He pledged transparency and accountability in implementation, assuring that all projects will deliver tangible benefits to residents.
The commissioner commended the media for their support to the Radda administration and urged continued partnership in publicising government programmes.
“This briefing underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability. We thank the media for promoting the image of the government and the people of Katsina State,” he said.
