FG Earmarks N1bn to Revive Abandoned Katsina Dam

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Federal Government has earmarked N1 billion in its 2026 budget for the revitalisation of an abandoned earth dam in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The state’s Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, who revealed this during a state-wide tour to the local government Friday, said the fund would be used to complete the derelict water project.

He said the project would tackle water scarcity faced by some communities and enhance irrigation farming across the local government when completed by the Federal Government.

He stressed that the state government would compensate the affected landowners, particularly farmers whose lands fall within the dam’s construction zone.

Reiterating his administration’s zero tolerance for financial mismanagement and misappropriation, Radda vowed to ensure transparency and accountability during the execution of the water project.

He said: “The Federal Government has allocated N1 billion in the 2026 national budget for the completion of Kaita abandoned earth dam which is a lifeline for irrigation farmers in this local government.

“The dam’s revival is long overdue, and this federal allocation is a welcome and significant development. We will fully compensate farmers whose farmlands are affected by its construction.”

During the tour, Governor Raddda unveiled the distribution of empowerment items procured by the Council Chairman, Hon. Bello Lawal Yandaki, to women, youths and vulnerable persons across the local government.

Items distributed included 200 grinding and sewing machines and 100 pepper-grinding machines aimed at supporting household enterprises and small-scale businesses in the area.

Others were 150 butchers’ pans, N50,000 capital grant to 50 butchers, 50 solar-powered water pumps and a cash support of N45 million to 600 youths, vulnerable people and small business operators.

Yandaki also provided a N15 million scholarship grant for 540 indigene students studying different courses in tertiary institutions, 10 official vehicles and 40 motorcycles.