By Kabir Abdullahi, PhD
Guided by the visionary “Building Your Future” document, Governor Dikko Radda, PhD, CON, has unveiled an ambitious and transformative ₦682.24 billion budget proposal for 2025, marking a significant 40% increase from the previous year. The budget, titled “Budget of Consolidation”, is designed to accelerate economic growth across key sectors of Katsina’s economy, ensuring comprehensive development and stability for the state. The “Building Your Future” document outlines a strategic framework for sustainable development, focusing on economic diversification, social inclusion, and infrastructural advancement to create a prosperous and resilient Katsina State.
In the budget, the economic sector receives the largest allocation of ₦302.25 billion, reflecting Malam Dikko’s sincere commitment to driving economic growth and job creation. This investment is expected to significantly stimulate local businesses, attract investments, and enhance infrastructure development, thereby boosting the state’s economy.
Similarly, the substantial funding of ₦95.99 billion for education underscores Governor Radda’s strong dedication to improving educational standards and accessibility. This allocation will, without a doubt, support the construction of new schools, renovation of existing facilities, and provision of learning materials, ensuring a brighter future for Katsina’s children.
Moreover, the budget also shows that by prioritizing agriculture with ₦81.84 billion, Governor Radda aims to enhance food security and support the local farmers. This funding will adequately facilitate the adoption of modern farming techniques, provision of agricultural inputs, and development of irrigation systems, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and rural incomes. In the same vein, investment in rural and social development, amounting to ₦58.73 billion, will also improve living standards in rural areas. This includes the construction of roads, provision of clean water, and development of social amenities, which are crucial for reducing rural-urban migration and promoting balanced regional development.
In addition, the allocation of ₦53.83 billion for water resources will play a significant role in addressing the critical need for clean and accessible water within the state. This funding will support the construction and maintenance of water supply systems, ensuring that all residents have access to safe drinking water. Again, Governor Radda’s focus on the environment, with an allocation of ₦49.84 billion, highlights his commitment to sustainable development. This budget will finance initiatives to combat desertification, manage waste, and promote environmental conservation, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable Katsina State.
The health sector allocation of ₦43.88 billion aims to improve healthcare services across the state. This includes the construction of new health facilities, upgrading existing ones, and ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies and personnel, which will lead to enhancing the overall health and well-being of the population.
More so, given the recent security challenges, the allocation of ₦18.94 billion for internal security and home affairs is very fundamental for maintaining peace and stability. The budgeted funds will support security operations, provide necessary equipment, and enhance community policing efforts, ensuring a safer environment for all residents.
Investments in infrastructure are also very indispensable for economic growth. Thus, the allocation of ₦9.68 billion for works, housing, and transport will finance the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and housing projects, improving connectivity and living conditions across the state. Furthermore, the budget covers a wide range of sectors, with ₦230.76 billion allocated to other sectors, ensuring comprehensive development across the state. These sectors include administration (₦98.28 billion), law and justice (₦6.24 billion), and the social sector (₦275.55 billion), which collectively support the efficient functioning of government, uphold the rule of law, and enhance social services.
The budget’s feasibility is supported by a robust revenue strategy, including a significant increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to ₦64.43 billion and capital receipts from aids and grants totalling ₦280.91 billion. These diversified revenue bases ensure the availability of funds for the proposed expenditures. The increase in IGR and capital receipts shows a robust financial strategy, while the governor’s emphasis on prudence and sincerity in public service delivery underscores a commitment to effective budget implementation.
In all, it is worth noting that Governor Dikko Radda’s 2025 budget proposal is a comprehensive plan aimed at consolidating gains, driving growth, and ensuring the well-being of all residents of Katsina State. With strong political backing and a clear focus on key sectors, this budget is poised to make a significant positive impact on the state’s economy and its people, paving the way for a prosperous and stable future. As such, I pray that Allah (SWA) helps him and his government in implementing these proposed expenditures. I, further, pray that Allah (SWA) helps the government to maximize the collection and raise all the revenues it proposed in the budget.
