The Katsina State Executive Council has approved a series of projects and policy measures aimed at boosting economic growth, infrastructure, agriculture and education across the state.
The approvals were reached at the council’s 7th regular meeting held on Thursday and presided over by Governor Dikko Radda.
Top among the decisions is the launch of a major roads corridor enterprise direct grant programme, which will support about 62,000 nano, micro and small businesses across the 34 local government areas. The initiative is designed to provide working capital to small-scale enterprises and improve livelihoods at the grassroots.
The council also approved the construction and asphalting of the Rahamawa–Gidan Shehi Namadi–Inwala Jan Gefe–Ring Road within Katsina metropolis to improve transportation, enhance safety and stimulate economic activities.
In the agricultural sector, the council approved the procurement of seven heavy-duty machines for the construction, rehabilitation and dredging of irrigation earth dams. The move is expected to strengthen irrigation farming, livestock production and fisheries, while creating employment opportunities.
Similarly, contracts were approved for the acquisition of exploration and mining equipment for sites in Tama, Tandama and Kankara. The government said the investment would boost revenue generation, support economic diversification and curb illegal mining activities linked to insecurity in the areas.
To support farmers ahead of the rainy season, the council also approved logistics for the distribution of fertiliser across 6,652 polling units in the state. The plan is intended to ensure direct delivery to farmers, eliminate middlemen and prevent diversion of subsidised inputs.
In the education sector, the council endorsed reforms of the Almajiri, Tsangaya, and Islamiyya systems into a model Khalwa Tsangaya Qur’anic education structure. This includes the establishment of four pilot schools one in each senatorial zone and an additional female-focused school in Katsina metropolis.
The government said the initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise informal education systems and improve access to structured learning across the state.