From Muawuya bala ldris Katsina
The Katsina State House of Assembly has commenced the 2026 budget defence exercise for the 34 Local Government Councils across the state, as part of its constitutional oversight responsibility.
The exercise is being presided over by the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Danjuma Machika, who also represents Sabuwa Constituency in the Assembly.
Speaking at the opening of the session, Hon. Machika stated that the budget defence is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective utilisation of public funds at the grassroots level.
He emphasized that the committee will thoroughly scrutinize the budget proposals of each local government to ensure they align with the developmental priorities of their respective communities.
According to him, the Assembly remains committed to strengthening local governance by ensuring that projected revenues and expenditures are realistic, people-oriented, and in compliance with established financial guidelines.
Officials from various local government councils are expected to appear before the committee to present and defend their financial estimates, with lawmakers examining key areas such as infrastructure development, primary healthcare, education support services, agriculture, and other critical sectors.
The budget defence exercise is expected to enhance fiscal discipline and promote prudent management of resources in line with the development agenda of the Katsina State Government.
The committee assured citizens that the process will be conducted with diligence and fairness to guarantee that public funds are directed toward projects that directly impact the lives of the people at the grassroots.