Radda to Approve N4bn Fund for Ward-Based Projects in Katsina

The Katsina State Government is on the verge of releasing a fresh N4 billion community development fund that will see all 361 political wards across the state receive financial support for critical grassroots projects, in a move aimed at accelerating infrastructure renewal and strengthening community-driven development.

The State Coordinator of the Community Development Programme (CDP), Dr. Kamaluddeen Kabir, disclosed the development on Monday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing 2027 pre-budget defence organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

According to Kabir, the government has completed all necessary arrangements for the disbursement and is only awaiting the final approval of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda before funds are released to communities.

He explained that each ward is expected to receive N10 million to undertake projects selected by residents based on their most pressing needs.

“We are only waiting for the approval of His Excellency before commencing the disbursement. Each of the 361 wards will receive N10 million for immediate utilisation on priority projects identified by the communities,” Kabir said.

The initiative is expected to provide a major boost to grassroots development, with a particular focus on rehabilitating deteriorating public infrastructure and addressing long-standing community challenges.

Kabir noted that the programme has already delivered significant results, recalling that the state government disbursed N5 billion to communities under the scheme last year. He added that another N5 billion has been proposed in the 2027 budget to ensure the programme continues and reaches more communities.

“Last year, we disbursed N5 billion to communities across the state. We have also proposed the same amount in the 2027 budget to sustain the programme and expand grassroots development,” he stated.

The CDP coordinator revealed that the funding arrangement is a joint effort between the state government and the 34 local government councils, designed to deepen community participation in development and ensure that projects reflect local priorities.

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Beyond the standard allocation, Kabir said communities that demonstrate accountability, transparency and effective use of previous grants could qualify for additional funding incentives.

“We disburse N10 million to each community. However, additional funds are approved for the best-performing communities, subject to the governor’s approval,” he explained.

He, however, issued a strong warning against the misuse of public funds, stressing that any community found diverting the grants from approved projects would face sanctions.

“We will not hesitate to sanction any community that diverts the funds from their intended purpose. These resources belong to the people and must be used strictly for community development,” he warned.

Kabir also challenged community leaders and residents to go beyond making requests during budget consultations by actively monitoring projects captured in the 2027 budget to ensure government agencies deliver on approved commitments.

“It is not enough to submit requests during the budget process. Communities should also monitor implementation to ensure that approved projects are executed as planned,” he said.

The Community Development Programme remains one of the signature grassroots initiatives of the Radda administration, providing communities with direct access to development funds while encouraging residents to play active roles in identifying, implementing and monitoring projects. The programme is also intended to complement government investments in infrastructure and improve service delivery across Katsina State.