The Katsina State Executive Council has approved a series of initiatives aimed at boosting youth empowerment, supporting small businesses, enhancing agricultural productivity, and reforming the state’s tax system.
The decisions were reached on Wednesday at the Council’s 6th Regular Meeting for 2026, held at the Red Chamber of the Government House in Katsina and chaired by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said the approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to citizens under its “Building Your Future” agenda.
The Commissioner for Higher Technical and Vocational Education, Hon. Sani JB Daura, disclosed that the council approved resettlement packages for 1,662 graduates of the Katsina Youth Craft Village across the Katsina, Daura, and Malumfashi senatorial zones. He noted that the initiative is designed to equip youths with starter packs to promote self-reliance and reduce unemployment.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, Dr. Babangida Rumah, said the council approved the branding of 6,200 roadside businesses across the state and its 34 local government areas. The move, he said, is part of preparations for financial support under the Direct Grant Programme targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises.
On agriculture, the Commissioner, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, announced the approval for the procurement of improved seeds from certified suppliers for distribution to farmers at subsidised rates ahead of the 2026 farming season, aimed at increasing food production.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service, Isyaku Muhammed, revealed that the council endorsed the domestication of the 2025 Tax Reform Act. He added that a draft bill on consolidated revenue laws and harmonised levies has been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration.
According to him, the reform is expected to ease the burden on low-income earners while strengthening the state’s revenue system through improved efficiency and transparency.
The approvals form part of the state government’s broader strategy to promote inclusive growth, economic development, and self-reliance.
