Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has approved the payment of over ₦500 million as compensation to residents whose lands, properties, farmlands and economic trees were affected by the Modoji/Bakuru Federal Housing Project in Katsina.

The approval was granted during the 11th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council (SEC) for 2026, held on Wednesday at the Upper Chamber of the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Government House, Katsina.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Kaita, said the compensation covers both developed and undeveloped structures, farmlands and economic trees acquired for the housing project.

He explained that the decision reflects the Radda administration’s commitment to fairness, due process, and responsible implementation of development projects.

According to him, the approval demonstrates Governor Radda’s resolve to ensure that citizens affected by government projects receive adequate compensation while facilitating the timely execution of critical housing and economic development initiatives.

Kaita further disclosed that approvals granted during the 10th and 11th Executive Council meetings have enabled the state to secure more than 780 hectares of land for the Federal Housing Project.

He added that the Council also approved land allocation for the proposed Agro-Processing Zone at Tashar Bala, an initiative expected to promote agro-industrial development, value addition and employment opportunities.

In another major decision, the Executive Council adopted the 2026–2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as the foundation for the state’s fiscal planning and annual budgeting.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas, said the framework is aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, improving resource allocation, enhancing transparency and ensuring policy consistency across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

He noted that the MTEF would improve budget predictability, harmonise sectoral development plans and promote evidence-based budgeting through credible economic projections.

To improve rural connectivity, the Council also approved the construction of a semi-bridge on the Ruma–Daneji Road in the Sandamu Local Government Area, to be jointly funded by the Katsina State Government and the State and Local Government Joint Account.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashir Tanimu, said the project would ease transportation, improve access to communities and stimulate agricultural and commercial activities in the area.

The Council also approved the institutionalisation of monthly security meetings involving traditional rulers at ward, village, district, local government and state levels to strengthen grassroots security architecture. (Channels)