In a bold step towards inclusive governance and grassroots development, the Katsina State Government has officially launched statewide ward-level town hall meetings aimed at collecting citizens’ input for the formulation of the 2026 Budget.
The initiative was flagged off on Thursday, August 7, 2025, by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Faruq Lawal Jobe, in his hometown of Kankara. The exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all 361 electoral wards in the state.
Describing the move as a milestone, the Deputy Governor emphasized that the initiative is not just a routine consultation but a deliberate strategy to deepen democracy, promote transparency, and ensure that the annual budget truly reflects the real needs of citizens.
“This government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, believes that the best development ideas come from those who live with the realities we aim to change,” Jobe said. “This is a people-first initiative designed to bring government closer to the grassroots.”
The meetings are being organized by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the Community Development Programme (CDP). Citizens are encouraged to identify local challenges, set development priorities, and suggest practical solutions in their communities.
Jobe further noted that the town halls demonstrate the state's commitment to the principles of Community-Driven Development (CDD) and fulfil its obligations under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) by empowering citizens to shape government interventions.
“All public office holders and appointees have been directed to attend the town hall sessions in their respective communities. Reports from each ward must be submitted to the Ministry and the CDP for integration into the 2026 budget planning process,” he added.
He emphasized that citizen feedback will also help define which projects should be undertaken by local, state, or federal government agencies, or with the support of development partners.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, in his remarks, hailed the initiative as a “strategic shift” from previous practices, saying the era of budgeting with minimal public input was over.
“This is not just a technical exercise; it is a democratic one. Through these town halls, we’re giving power back to the people,” the Commissioner said, urging citizens to take full advantage of the platform to express their needs and aspirations.
He reiterated the Governor’s directive that the most senior government officer in each ward should chair the session, and that every input from citizens would be fully documented and prioritised during the budget process.
The Coordinator of the Community Development Programme described the initiative as a permanent fixture in Katsina State’s development planning process, aimed at institutionalising participatory budgeting.
“For too long, decisions were made without adequate community involvement. This administration is reversing that,” he said, commending Governor Radda for not only initiating the programme but also integrating it into the formal budget cycle.
“This process is about trust. It’s about allowing citizens to define their own development needs—whether it’s education, healthcare, roads, or water. Your voices will shape our future,” he added.
The town hall meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for a truly inclusive, transparent, and people-focused 2026 Budget. Stakeholders were urged to participate actively and constructively in the sessions.
Dignitaries at the flag-off event included the Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Hon. Isah Mohammed Musa; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Sirajo Mikailu; Chairman of Kankara Local Government, Hon. Kasimu Dantsoho Katoge; and traditional leaders including Alhaji Muhammadu Ahmadu Rambo and Alhaji Aminu Lawal Jobe.
Also in attendance were the APC State Secretary, Alhaji Umar UT Kankara; Executive Director of the State Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Murtala Muhammad Ayo; representatives of community-based organisations, and development partners.
As the meetings continue across the state, the Katsina Government hopes to set a new standard for inclusive governance, citizen engagement, and budget transparency in Nigeria.
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