From Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Tuesday declared open a one-day capacity-building workshop on the Public-Private Partnership framework for members of the State Executive Council.
The workshop, organised by the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency, was aimed at strengthening policy-level understanding and leadership oversight of PPPs as a strategic tool for infrastructure development, improved service delivery and sustainable economic growth in the state.
Declaring the workshop open, Radda said PPPs had become an essential instrument for governments seeking to bridge infrastructure gaps while ensuring fiscal discipline and value for money.
He urged members of the Executive Council to fully understand and internalise the principles, processes and governance requirements of PPP arrangements to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Katsina State.
The governor noted that the workshop builds on reforms already undertaken by the state government to institutionalise PPPs.
He listed the reforms to include the amendment of the KIPA Law to empower the agency to coordinate and manage PPP projects, the development of a State PPP Policy and Operational Manual, and the establishment of fiscal commitment and contingent liability as well as disclosure frameworks to safeguard public finances.
Radda also highlighted the creation of a dedicated PPP portal to enhance transparency and investor engagement, as well as budgetary provisions for PPP project preparation and facilitation.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of KIPA, Ibrahim Jikamshi, said the workshop formed part of a structured capacity-building programme.
He recalled that the agency had previously organised appreciation and intermediary-level workshops for officers of key ministries, departments and agencies to build foundational understanding of PPP concepts and processes.
According to him, members of the State Executive Council-led PPP Project Facilitation Committee would participate in a follow-up workshop focused on governance and management of the Project Facilitation Fund.
The event was attended by commissioners, special advisers and other senior government officials.
The workshop marks another step in the state’s efforts to create an investor-friendly environment while safeguarding public interest and fiscal sustainability.
