The Katsina State Government has unveiled a proposed N828.64 billion budget for 2027, setting aside more than three-quarters of the spending plan for capital projects as Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration enters the next phase of its development agenda.

The proposed budget, tagged “Building Your Future Agenda IV,” was approved on Thursday by the Katsina State Executive Council during its 14th regular meeting of 2026, presided over by Governor Radda at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Government House, Katsina.

Although the proposed figure is N69.23 billion lower than the N897.8 billion approved for 2026, the government says the new spending plan remains heavily focused on infrastructure and development projects.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, said the council’s decisions were geared towards accelerating development, strengthening public services and improving the living conditions of residents.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas, put the exact proposed budget at N828,638,844,091.48.

He said the state expects to finance the budget through N95.77 billion in independent revenue, N234.30 billion in capital receipts and N487.81 billion from other expected receipts.

Katsina is also projecting an opening balance of approximately N10.7 billion as it enters the 2027 financial year.

77% Goes to Capital Projects

The proposed expenditure structure places a clear emphasis on development, with 77 per cent earmarked for capital expenditure, while 23 per cent is allocated to recurrent spending.

Anas said the distribution reflects the administration’s determination to prioritise projects capable of producing lasting economic and social benefits for the state.

The Social Sector is projected to receive the largest share at 38.33 per cent, followed by the Economic Sector with 35.59 per cent.

Administration will account for 23.97 per cent, while Law and Justice will receive 1.11 per cent.

At the sectoral level, Education is allocated 13.41 per cent, Works, Housing and Transport gets 11.22 per cent, Agriculture and Livestock Development 10.33 per cent, Health 8.41 per cent, while Rural Development receives 7.92 per cent.

The remaining Ministries, Departments and Agencies collectively account for 48.98 per cent of the capital allocation.

Anas said residents would have to wait for the formal presentation of the budget by Governor Radda to the Katsina State House of Assembly for the complete details of the spending plan.

The Executive Council has already approved the transmission of the proposal to the Assembly in line with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Cancer Centre Gets More Equipment

Beyond the budget, the council approved several projects and initiatives spanning healthcare, roads and public transportation.

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One of the major decisions was the procurement of additional equipment for the newly established Advanced Imaging and Cancer Centre at the General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital (GARSH), Katsina.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Lawal Aliyu Rabe, the additional equipment will strengthen the centre’s ability to provide modern medical, surgical, imaging, diagnostic and laboratory services.

The facility is expected to accommodate at least 80 patients, with the government hoping the investment will improve access to specialised treatment and reduce the number of residents travelling outside Katsina or Nigeria for medical care.

Rafukka Road Set for Reconstruction

In the infrastructure sector, the council approved the construction of an asphaltic wearing course on a road in Rafukka, within Katsina metropolis.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, QS Umar Ismail Rugoji, said the road had suffered significant deterioration caused by erosion, poor surface conditions and inadequate asphalt pavement.

He said the intervention would restore the road and improve movement and connectivity within the area.

30 Hybrid Buses Move Closer to Operation

The council also approved a comprehensive framework for deploying and managing the 30 hybrid buses recently acquired by the Radda administration for intra-city transportation.

Rugoji said a consultant would be engaged to work alongside the Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA) to develop and oversee the management and operation of the buses.

A dedicated Hybrid Bus Operations and Maintenance Unit will also be established within KTSTA.

The unit will be responsible for managing the buses, charging stations, maintenance activities and other supporting infrastructure.

The government further approved the recruitment and training of drivers and administrative personnel, with a target of having at least one qualified driver from each of Katsina State’s 34 local government areas.

To address electricity requirements, dedicated transformer substations will be installed at operational facilities in Katsina, Daura and Funtua.

The substations will support existing solar inverter systems and provide electricity for charging the hybrid buses and powering workshop facilities.

The proposed transport system will also incorporate digital fleet monitoring, revenue management, preventive maintenance and operational control systems, paving the way for full-scale deployment of the buses.

With the 2027 budget now awaiting presentation before the State House of Assembly, attention will shift to the legislature and ultimately to how effectively the ambitious capital spending plan translates from budget figures into projects across Katsina's 34 local government areas.