Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has reiterated his administration’s commitment to using reliable population data as the foundation for development planning, insisting that accurate statistics are essential for improving public services and shaping the state’s future.
The governor made the remarks as Katsina joined the global community in marking the 2026 World Population Day, highlighting the importance of evidence-based governance in addressing the needs of a rapidly growing population.
Reliable Statistics Key to Better Public Services
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammad, Radda explained that dependable population figures would enable the government to make informed decisions across critical sectors.
According to him, proper planning backed by credible data will strengthen the delivery of healthcare, education, employment opportunities and other essential services for residents across the state.
He noted that understanding the state’s demographic trends is no longer optional but necessary for sustainable growth.
Population Growth Seen as Opportunity, Not Just a Challenge
Governor Radda acknowledged that a growing population presents significant demands on government resources but argued that it also offers enormous economic potential if managed effectively.
He said his administration is focused on turning Katsina’s youthful population into a productive workforce through carefully designed policies and long-term investments.
Emphasising the importance of planning with precision, the governor said every newborn, job seeker and family in need of healthcare should be reflected in government budgets and development programmes.
Government Plans to Strengthen Data Collection
To improve planning, Radda announced that the state would intensify efforts to build stronger data collection systems capable of producing more reliable population information.
He also outlined plans to expand access to family planning services, increase investment in skills acquisition initiatives and create a more supportive environment for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which he described as vital for creating employment opportunities for young people.
The governor stressed that relying on estimates for development planning is no longer acceptable if the state hopes to meet the needs of its growing population.
Ministries Ordered to Base Plans on Current Population Figures
As part of the administration’s strategy, Governor Radda directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure their 2026 operational plans are aligned with updated population data.
He said government programmes must reflect current realities so that public resources are allocated efficiently and services reach the communities that need them most.
Call for Community Support on Family Planning and Birth Registration
Beyond government institutions, the governor appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to partner with the state in raising public awareness about responsible family planning and the importance of birth registration.
He said collaboration with community stakeholders would strengthen public understanding of population issues and improve the accuracy of official records.
Governor Congratulates Katsina’s New NPC Commissioner
Governor Radda also congratulated Professor Sadiq Isa Radda following his recent inauguration as Katsina State’s representative at the National Population Commission (NPC).
Professor Radda was officially sworn into office by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The governor expressed confidence that the newly appointed commissioner would use his experience to ensure Katsina is well represented at the commission while contributing to the production of credible population data that will support both state and national development planning.
