In a groundbreaking move that has redefined grassroots governance in Nigeria, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has disbursed a staggering ₦3.6 billion directly to the 361 wards across the state’s 34 Local Government Areas under the Community Development Programme (CDP).
Each ward has received ₦10 million to independently initiate and implement community-based projects tailored to their unique developmental priorities — a feat described as one of the boldest people-oriented interventions in recent Nigerian history.
> “This is Governor Dikko Radda’s transformative vision to turn Katsina State into a model of community-driven development,”
— Dr Kamaludeen Kabir, CDP Coordinator, during a press briefing in Katsina.
According to Dr Kabir, the programme directly confronts decades-long systemic failures in maintaining critical infrastructure, especially in rural areas. By empowering communities with direct funding and decision-making authority, the government is fostering self-reliance, speed, and strategic local impact.
> “Previously, a damaged borehole or faulty health facility equipment could remain neglected for months due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. Now, communities have the funds and autonomy to act immediately—preventing deterioration and escalating costs,”
— he explained.
Launched just under seven months ago, the CDP has already achieved full coverage, with all 361 wards having received their ₦10 million allocation. Communities are now actively identifying and addressing needs ranging from the renovation of schools and primary healthcare centres to the rehabilitation of water systems and access roads.
Dr Kabir emphasized the adaptive nature of the programme, stating:
> “Each ward is treated as a distinct micro-society with its own priorities, values, and vision. This bottom-up approach ensures development is not only felt—but owned—by the people.”
To guarantee transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, the CDP operates through a three-tiered committee system:
The Steering Committee, chaired by Governor Radda himself, provides top-level leadership and strategic direction.
The Joint Planning Committee, led by Deputy Governor Faruq Jobe, manages coordination, resource allocation, and oversight.
Ward-Level Community Committees handle grassroots implementation, project supervision, and community mobilization.
> “This multi-layered governance model reflects the seriousness Governor Radda places on institutionalizing community empowerment. It ensures that every naira disbursed is traceable, impactful, and people-focused,”
— Dr Kabir added.
The initiative has drawn widespread commendation from civil society, development experts, and grassroots stakeholders who see it as a blueprint for participatory governance. Many are calling for its adoption in other states grappling with inefficient local service delivery.
Governor Radda’s bold intervention is not just about infrastructure—it is about reclaiming development from the top-down model and placing it squarely in the hands of the people. With the CDP, Katsina is not only witnessing development—it is directing it.
PIONEER NEWS 