By Lawal Gwanda
The Katsina State Government has concluded the 2027 pre-budget defence exercise for all 34 Local Government Areas, with renewed emphasis on grassroots development, budget transparency and the settlement of outstanding payments for completed projects.
The exercise, organised by the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, ended on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following an 11-day review of budget proposals submitted by the 34 councils.
The final session featured Ingawa, Kankia, Kusada, Dutsin-Ma and Danmusa Local Government Areas, marking the completion of the exercise, which commenced on October 19.
The session was presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Bishir Tanimu Gambo, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Inspectorate, Hon. Lawal Rufa’i Safana.
The ministry’s Director of Budget, Alhaji Babangida Aminu Mashi, coordinated the exercise.
A major highlight of the budget defence was the scrutiny of proposals submitted by the councils, with particular attention given to their respective development priorities and projects considered critical to improving the living conditions of residents.
The participants examined key areas requiring government attention to ensure that the 2027 budget estimates reflect the actual needs of communities across the state.
Particular emphasis was also placed on completed projects for which contractors and service providers are yet to receive payment.
The session stressed the need for Local Government Areas to make adequate budgetary provisions for settling outstanding obligations, noting that such commitments must be properly captured in their 2027 estimates.
The exercise is designed to strengthen accountability, eliminate inconsistencies and enhance the credibility of Local Government budgets before their formal presentation and defence before the House Committee on Local Governments at the Katsina State House of Assembly.
By completing the exercise, the ministry has taken another step towards ensuring that the 34 councils prepare realistic and development-driven budgets capable of addressing pressing challenges at the grassroots.
The Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Local Government financial plans are properly aligned with the aspirations and needs of the people.
The administration maintains that effective budget planning, transparency and responsible management of public resources remain essential to delivering meaningful development across communities in the state.
The conclusion of the 2027 pre-budget defence exercise therefore sets the stage for the next phase of the budget process, as the councils prepare to present their estimates for legislative consideration and approval.
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