The Katsina State Government has approved ₦703 million for the reconstruction of perimeter fences and the installation of security barricades at 14 general hospitals located in volatile local government areas across the state.
The decision was reached during a State Executive Council meeting held in Katsina on Thursday. Briefing reporters after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Dr. Sani Magaji-Ingawa, said the move was part of broader efforts to enhance safety in frontline healthcare institutions.
“These upgrades form part of our administration’s comprehensive plan to fortify health institutions in volatile areas and ensure the safety of both staff and patients,” Magaji-Ingawa said.
The targeted local government areas include Kankara, Malumfashi, Faskari, Jibia, Funtua, Kafur, Dandume, Musawa, Batsari, Dutsin-Ma, Kurfi, Danmusa, Katsina metropolis, and Amadi Rimi.
In addition to the hospital upgrades, the council approved ₦1.3 billion for the conversion of the Comprehensive Health Centre in Mai’adua Local Government Area into a full-fledged general hospital.
Magaji-Ingawa also announced the approval of ₦18.5 billion for the construction of the Rafin Iya–Tashar Bawa–Sabuwa road, a critical transport corridor. According to him, the road project is designed to support both security and economic operations in the state.
“When completed, the road will enhance security operations, improve the movement of agricultural produce, and facilitate trade and economic activities within the corridor,” he said.
Further approvals were disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, who revealed that ₦747.3 million had been earmarked for the construction of a new Security Consultative Centre in the state capital. He described the facility as a strategic hub for inter-agency coordination and planning.
“This facility aligns with our administration’s comprehensive security reform initiative,” Salisu-Zango said. “Upon completion, we will hand it over to the Federal Government for use as a central coordination hub for all security stakeholders operating in Katsina State.”