Gov Radda’s Pragmatic Approach To LGs Development
By Joe Goddy, Katsina
Local government councils, often considered the least powerful tier of government, remain the closest to the people, responsible for essential services, economic opportunities, and public infrastructure.
However, inefficiency, poor funding, and lack of accountability have hindered their effectiveness in many parts of Nigeria.
In Katsina State, Governor Umar Dikko Radda is redefining local governance through efficiency, transparency, and strategic resource allocation.
His administration has taken bold steps to ensure that local councils drive development rather than become bureaucratic bottlenecks.
At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to optimizing resources, aligning projects with community needs, and continuously improving administrative strategies.
Governor Radda’s reforms are not just policies on paper; they are practical, measurable interventions that have begun yielding tangible results across multiple sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Katsina’s economy, supporting a majority of the population. Governor Radda’s interventions have revitalized farming communities, particularly in Kusada Local Government, where his administration distributed 100 power tiller tractors and fertilizers to over 6,850 farmers. These efforts have boosted productivity, enabling farmers to cultivate larger areas more efficiently.
The renovation of three major irrigation dams has further enhanced agricultural output, ensuring reliable water access for year-round farming.
These efforts go beyond food production, contributing to job creation, economic stability, and poverty reduction in rural areas.
In Jibia Local Government, where insecurity has long threatened farming activities, the government established six new army camps and provided logistical support to security forces.
This initiative has restored peace, allowing farmers to return to their fields, ensuring food security, and strengthening the local economy.
Infrastructure development has been a defining feature of Governor Radda’s administration.
In Sandamu Local Government, where access to clean water had been a long-standing challenge, his administration launched an N84 million water project, ending a 19-year-long water crisis.
The new system supplies 55,000 gallons of water daily, eliminating persistent shortages.
Additionally, the construction of eight boreholes in strategic locations has further improved access to clean water. Across the state, 12 communities have been linked through newly constructed roads, easing transportation, facilitating trade, and enhancing daily life.
Governor Radda’s administration has prioritized human capital development, particularly in education and healthcare.
Within his first 100 days in office, his government recruited 7,000 primary school teachers to address the shortage of qualified educators.
In Mani Local Government, 130 new teachers were employed, and four new secondary schools were built. Across the 34 local government areas, 152 junior and senior secondary schools have been constructed as part of a N120 billion investment in education.
These efforts go beyond enrollment numbers they aim to raise the quality of education in Katsina to national and global standards.
The healthcare sector has also witnessed major improvements. Governor Radda’s administration established three new primary healthcare centers in each local government area.
In Maiadua, five hospitals have been rehabilitated, reversing decades of neglect and ensuring access to essential medical services. The recruitment and training of medical personnel have further strengthened healthcare delivery.
Security remains a top priority in northern Nigeria, and Governor Radda has taken a proactive approach. In Jibia, a region plagued by banditry, the administration has repaired armored personnel carriers (APCs) and provided continuous financial support for security operations, leading to a significant drop in crime rates.
Beyond conventional security measures, the government has allocated N60 million to resettle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and provide vocational training, enabling them to rebuild their lives sustainably.
A unique security initiative has also emerged in Musawa Local Government, where 75 Islamic scholars have been engaged to offer prayers against crime and violence. The government allocates N4 million monthly to support this initiative, recognizing the role of religious leaders in fostering peace.
While unconventional, this reflects an understanding that security challenges require both physical enforcement and community-based solutions.
Governor Radda’s governance model has gained national and international recognition. Professor Claudie N. Avellaneda of Indiana University, an expert in local government efficiency, has noted that effective administration thrives on capacity-building and performance management an approach mirrored in Katsina’s reforms.
With over N1 billion allocated to various development projects across the 34 local governments, Katsina is emerging as a model of responsible and effective local governance.
The impact of these reforms goes beyond statistics; they are improving lives in real and measurable ways: Farmers can now cultivate their land without fear, children have access to better schools and teachers, communities have clean water and reliable infrastructure, economic activities are thriving due to improved road networks and healthcare facilities are serving the people more effectively.
As 2027 approaches, Governor Radda’s leadership will be judged not by rhetoric but by the lasting impact of his policies. His administration has proven that good governance is not about grand promises but about delivering tangible results that uplift communities.
Katsina State’s transformation under Governor Radda serves as a powerful reminder that when governance is rooted in efficiency, transparency, and community-driven policies, it can uplift an entire society.
Whether in agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, or security, his efforts have set a new standard for local government administration in Nigeria.
