Katsina Govt Pays N274m, Secures 100 Hectares For Federal College Of Agriculture

Katsina Govt Pays N274m, Secures 100 Hectares for Federal College of Agriculture

By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman

The Katsina State Government has taken a major stride toward advancing agricultural education and rural development by securing 100 hectares of land and disbursing over N274 million in compensation to affected landowners for the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture in Gidan Na-Banje, Kafur Local Government Area.

The disclosure was made on Friday, May 10, by the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr. Faisal Umar Kaita, during the formal presentation of compensation cheques to 241 landowners whose lands were acquired for the project.

Dr. Kaita stated that the government released a total of N274,353,217.39 as compensation—reflecting the policy of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to ensure that affected individuals are fully compensated before any developmental project begins.

“The payment of this compensation before any physical development starts shows Governor Radda’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the rule of law,” Dr. Kaita emphasized.

He further revealed that the establishment of the college was made possible through the lobbying efforts of Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, a native of the area and Political Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Masari was praised for securing the federal government’s approval to site the college in Gidan Na-Banje as part of his contribution to the advancement of his hometown and Katsina State at large.

“When completed, this college will serve as a center for innovation, research, and training in modern agriculture,” Dr. Kaita said. “It will be instrumental in driving the Governor’s agricultural transformation agenda.”

In his remarks, the Dangaladiman Katsina and District Head of Kafur, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdullahi Rabe, applauded the government for its people-centered approach, particularly in ensuring early compensation to affected landowners.

“This is a commendable move that underscores true leadership,” the traditional leader said. “Our people feel respected and valued, and this act will greatly ease their transition and recovery.”

Other community leaders and residents present at the event also lauded the initiative, noting that the project would provide educational and employment opportunities, boost the local economy, and enhance Katsina’s food security.

Also in attendance were top officials from the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, the Vice Chairman of Kafur LGA, and other local government and community representatives.

This development aligns with Governor Radda’s broader policy vision of building a self-reliant and prosperous Katsina State through strategic investments in agriculture, education, and human capital development.

According to the Katsina State Government, the Federal College of Agriculture in Gidan Na-Banje will not only serve students from Katsina but will also attract learners and researchers from across Nigeria, placing the state on the national map for agricultural innovation.

The event ended with the presentation of compensation cheques to the landowners, who expressed gratitude to the government and pledged their support for the project.