The Katsina State Government has launched a statewide town hall initiative to gather citizens’ input for its 2026 budget. The meetings, being held in all 361 wards, aim to identify community needs and priorities.
Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal-Jobe inaugurated the initiative in Kankara Local Government Area on Thursday. He said the program reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, grassroots development, and transparency.
“This is more than just a consultation—it’s a strategic move to ensure our budget directly addresses the real needs of our communities,” he said, noting that the initiative is part of Governor Dikko Radda’s broader vision for citizen-driven development.
The meetings are a collaborative effort between the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Community Development Programme (CDP). Citizens are encouraged to voice their challenges, propose solutions, and help identify which issues should be handled at the local, state, or federal level.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Anas Malik, emphasized that the state is shifting from top-down budgeting to a model driven by grassroots input.
“For years, budgets were crafted with little input from citizens. We’re changing that. Development must start with the people,” he said.
CDP Coordinator Dr. Kamaludeen Kabir praised the governor for institutionalizing this participatory approach, saying it demonstrates a genuine belief in democracy and local empowerment.
- The outcomes from these meetings will shape the 2026 budget, with a focus on sectors like water, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood support.
