Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, revealed that his administration inherited a substantial debt load totaling $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual obligations from the previous governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, Governor Sani emphasized that this debt burden was significantly impacting the state’s federal allocation. He noted that due to the depreciation of the exchange rate, the state is now repaying almost three times the amount borrowed by the previous administration.
Governor Sani expressed concern that a substantial portion of the state’s March federal allocation, amounting to N7 billion out of N10 billion, was utilized to service the debt. Consequently, only N3 billion remained, an insufficient sum to cover the state’s monthly salary bill of N5.2 billion.
Despite facing this challenging financial situation, Governor Sani asserted that his administration has refrained from borrowing any additional funds over the past nine months. He affirmed his commitment to steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.
Highlighting his administration’s priorities, Governor Sani outlined key areas such as safety and security, housing, education, healthcare, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He emphasized the importance of inclusive development, focusing on human capital investment, economic stimulation, and affordable housing initiatives.
Looking ahead to 2024, Governor Sani identified safety and security, infrastructural development, education, housing and urban development, social intervention, and investment drive as top priorities for his administration.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd), stressed the need for addressing security challenges as a prerequisite for meaningful development. He commended Governor Sani for implementing cost-cutting measures in governance despite the state’s debt burden, urging residents to support the government irrespective of political, religious, or ethnic differences.
Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, expressed optimism about the state’s future under Governor Sani’s leadership and pledged the support of traditional rulers in achieving developmental goals.