On May 29, 2023, Katsina state was in a state of anxiety, with bandits controlling farm seasons and retirees dying while waiting for their gratuity. The state's internally generated revenue (IGR) was only N400 million per month, which was insufficient to pay the wage bill of one local government area. However, three years later, the story has changed, with Katsina having a government that systematically confronts its problems. Governor Dikko Umar Radda has been instrumental in this transformation and deserves a second term to complete his projects.
One of the significant achievements of Governor Radda is his ability to increase the state's IGR without imposing new taxes. In 2023, Katsina generated N400 million in IGR monthly, but today, it generates N3 billion. This increase is attributed to the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, e-tax, and the deployment of Financial Management Monitoring teams. The additional N2.6 billion monthly revenue has been used to build roads, clear over N21 billion in gratuity backlogs, and improve pension payments.
Governor Radda has also taken a proactive approach to security, particularly in the fight against banditry. He established the Community Watch Corps, training 1,500 locals and deploying them to eight frontline local government areas. Additionally, 1,500 vigilantes were revived, and 6,652 ward heads and 2,500 mosque Imams were placed on stipends for intelligence gathering. These efforts have led to several successful rescue operations, including the rescue of three kidnapped individuals in Fakuwa Kankia and 18 victims in Bakori.
Another significant achievement of Governor Radda is his efforts to restore the traditional institution of the palace as a partner in governance. Under his administration, new Emirate Councils were inaugurated, with youth, women, and business representation. Emirs now chair security meetings, and district heads mobilize for fertilizer distribution, school enrollment, and health insurance. This approach has helped to bring the throne back as a key partner in governance.
Governor Radda has also prioritized infrastructure development, with a focus on building for the future. The 2025 budget has 76% of its allocation for capital projects, with N302 billion for economic development and N275 billion for social development. Several road projects, such as the Shargalle-Dustin-Ingawa and Kofar Sauti dualization, are ongoing. Additionally, a social protection law is being enacted to protect the poorest citizens.
Despite these achievements, critics argue that Governor Radda is too technocratic and blunt. However, his approach has been necessary for Katsina's transformation. The state's progress is evident, with salaries now being paid on the 22nd of every month, and rescue teams responding within hours. This progress is worth protecting, and Governor Radda deserves a second term to complete his projects.
A second term for Governor Radda would enable him to consolidate on his achievements, including increasing IGR to N5 billion, fully defeating banditry, and completing the Treasury House and industrialization drive. He also aims to enact and implement a social protection law to safeguard the poorest citizens. With continuity, Katsina can build on its progress and avoid reverting to its previous state.
Key points
- Governor Radda increased Katsina's IGR from N400 million to N3 billion monthly.
- He established the Community Watch Corps to combat banditry.
- Governor Radda prioritized infrastructure development, with a focus on building for the future.
