The Katsina State Government has disbursed over N3.1 billion in compensation to landowners affected by government-led development projects across the state.
This was revealed by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe during the fifth edition of the state’s monthly press briefing held in Katsina on Tuesday. He also disclosed that Governor Dikko Radda’s administration has allocated over N859 million towards the establishment and equipping of the Katsina State Geographic Information Service (KATGIS) — a move aimed at digitising land administration and boosting transparency.
“This administration has paid compensation totalling N3,173,933,922 to people affected by land takeovers for critical projects, including road construction, school and hospital expansions, market development, and more,” Jobe stated.
He further announced that an additional N2 billion has been earmarked in the 2025 budget for compensating property owners affected by ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects.
On land reform, Jobe said the government is making a strategic shift from manual to digital land systems with the deployment of proprietary software, advanced hardware, and secure documentation supplied by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company for issuing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
“This transition is essential for creating a transparent, efficient, and fraud-resistant system, reducing conflicts and improving revenue generation,” he said.
In the area of development control, the state has spent N725 million on the acquisition of heavy-duty machinery and logistics vehicles — including payloaders, excavators, tippers, and motorbikes — to ensure compliance with building regulations and monitor urban expansion.
Addressing the challenges of population growth and urban sprawl, the Deputy Governor emphasized that the administration has proactively invested in urban planning and city infrastructure. This includes the modernisation of land management, preparation of revised city master plans, and acquisition of tools to enforce planning regulations.
He revealed that N315 million has been spent on reviewing outdated master plans for Katsina, Funtua, and Daura for the 2025–2040 period. These plans, originally developed by Max Lock & Partners in the 1970s, had become obsolete after 25 years. The state is set to review four more cities — Dutsin-Ma, Malumfashi, Mani, and Kankiya — with further plans to cover additional urban centres beginning in 2026.
The monthly press briefing series, launched in November 2024, is part of the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement in policy execution and development efforts.
