Katsina deepens Public Finance Reforms

210

By Bello Kagara

In line with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s “Building Your Future” blueprint, Katsina State has repositioned its public finance architecture around efficiency, discipline, and citizen trust. The blueprint’s economic pillar places public financial management, PFM, at the core of sustainable development.

The Katsina State Ministry of Finance has reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability as core pillars of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s “Building Your Future” blueprint.

 Under the blueprint’s economic transformation agenda, the ministry has piloted far-reaching Public Financial Management reforms designed to plug leakages, expand revenue, and ensure every naira delivers measurable impact for citizens.

Hon Commissioner of Finance, Katsina State

The Ministry works tirelessly with agencies under its auspices to ensure prudence and fiscal responsibility, boost revenue generation, transparency and accountability as well as promoting epicacy in public finance management in the State. The milestones recorded in achieving these strides under the leadership of Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda includes but not limited to:

Office of the Accountant General of the State

This is an office responsible for public finance management of the state headed by Accountant General which has recorded the following achievements

Financial Prudency and Effective Fund Management

This administration has demonstrated exceptional financial prudence through the effective management of public funds through TSA implementation initiatives. Idle funds were strategically invested in interest-bearing bank accounts, generating over ₦4 billion in additional revenue. These proceeds were utilized to finance the construction of the road from Kofar Yandaka to Filin Polo in Katsina, underscoring the hallmarks of its financial prudence and promoting infrastructural development for the benefit of the people.

Katsina Eastern Bypass Road

Enhancing Timely Project Financing

This Administration has succeeded in timely financing its developmental project most of which are now being fully utilized among which are:

Dualization of Katsina Central Mosque road, Dualization of Waterboard – Kofar Sauri-Central Mosque Roundabout, Construction of dual carriage way from Dutsinma road-Kano Road – Mani Road – Daura Road-Yan Daki Road,Rehabilitation Of Shargalle- Dutsi – Ingawa Road,Construction of Smart secondary school, Radda,Construction of Agricultural Mechanization Centre, Construction of Dialysis Center

New Treasury House

Capacity Building and Professional Development

Recognizing that sustainable reform depends on a skilled workforce, the Office of the Accountant General organized two intensive training programmes for 30 accountants, auditors, and budget officers. The trainings focused on compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and equipped participants with modern skills and tools for transparent financial reporting and enhanced accountability.

In addition, the Office of the Accountant General, in collaboration with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), organized an interactive capacity-building session in May 2026 for finance personnel on the implementation of the new tax reforms. The programme enhanced staff knowledge and strengthened the State’s capacity for effective tax administration and compliance.Top of Form

Bottom of FormPriotization Of Staff and Students Welfare/Benefits

Over 4000 staff have benefited from the disbursement of refurbishing loan by the state government withing the period of 2024-2026. And also, in recognition of the importance of education, this administration approved a 100% increase in student scholarship awards. This significant intervention is aimed at reducing the financial burden on students and enhancing access to quality education and a conducive learning environment.

Shargalle – Dustin – Ingawa Road

Compliance with Requirement for Accessing Performance-Based Funding

Through improved financial management and accountability, the State Government consistently met the requirements for accessing performance-based grants, including the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme. The State successfully secured grants amounting to billions of naira, which were deployed to various capital projects designed to improve the living standards of the people of Katsina State.

Furthermore, the State strengthened its development financing framework through effective debt planning, sustainability assessments, and risk management practices. Capacity-building initiatives on debt analysis, reporting, and financial management were undertaken.  And also, the engagement of consultants to reconcile the State’s debt portfolio which resulted in the elimination of excess deductions and the recovery of funds through reduced future deductions.

Prompt Payment of Salaries, Pension and Gratuity

Governor Radda’s administration commits in prompt payment of salaries between the 22nd to 25th of every month—an achievement that has fostered staff morale and productivity across the civil service.

Furthermore, the Government’s compassion extends to retired civil servants. Over ₦21 billion in outstanding gratuities have been cleared, and pension payments remains consistent between the 22nd to 25th of every month. Similarly, between 2023 and 2024 alone, total pension and gratuity disbursements rose from ₦16.4 billion to ₦17.9 billion—a clear demonstration of fiscal responsibility and empathy for the State’s workforce.  As at date, all outstanding Gratuity has been settled accordingly.

Kofar Sauti Road dualisation

Construction of Treasury House

In a move to institutionalize efficiency, Governor Radda initiated the construction of a modern Treasury House to serve as the operational hub for the Accountant General and his financial management team. The project, is completed to enhance coordination and streamline treasury operations while awaiting commissioning in due course.

Conversion of Sub-Treasury Offices to Zonal Efficiency Offices

This administration had succeeded in converting the 6 Sub-Treasury Offices into Zonal Efficiency Units in compliance with the Federal Ministry of Finance’s directives of 2016 as well as the renovation which is approved in the 2026 Budget.

Timely Preparation and Publication of Annual Financial Statement

The Administration of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, has set a new benchmark in the timely preparation and publication of annual financial statements. These reports are made available in both hard copy and accessible via  Katsina State official website, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and public access to government financial information.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s reforms have not only modernized Katsina’s financial management framework but also set a new benchmark for accountability and service delivery in governance. His commitment to prudent resource management continues to strengthen public confidence and drive sustainable growth across the State

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here