Kaduna State’s Governor, Uba Sani, has sounded the alarm over the significant debt burden inherited from the previous administration, totaling “$587 million, N85 billion, and encompassing 115 contractual liabilities.”
According to the governor, this financial strain has made it exceedingly challenging for his administration to meet its obligations, including paying workers’ salaries promptly.
Despite grappling with this immense debt load, Governor Sani emphasized that his administration has refrained from taking on any additional borrowing over the past nine months.
The governor elucidated on the adverse impact of the debt, revealing that a substantial portion of the state’s monthly Federal Allocation is being diverted to service it, leaving insufficient funds to cover essential expenses like salaries.
Governor Sani underscored the disproportionate effect of the debt burden exacerbated by the exchange rate fluctuations, resulting in significantly higher repayment amounts than initially borrowed. He disclosed that a notable deduction from the March Federal Allocation was allocated to servicing the debt, leaving the state with an inadequate balance to meet its salary obligations, which currently stand at “N5.2 billion” monthly.
Despite these fiscal challenges, Governor Sani affirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing Kaduna State’s progress and sustainable development.
He outlined key priorities for 2024, including bolstering safety and security, enhancing infrastructure, fostering education development, promoting housing and urban development, implementing social interventions, and driving investment initiatives.
In addressing security concerns, the governor highlighted the strides made in revamping the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, with the recruitment of an additional 7,000 personnel and procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles for enhanced security operations.
Regarding education, Governor Sani outlined initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children, including collaborations with Kuwait to establish new schools and renovate existing ones, with a focus on vocational training to address skill deficits.
At a Town Hall Meeting, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), stressed the imperative of addressing security challenges to facilitate meaningful development. Similarly, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, expressed confidence in the governor’s capacity to navigate the economic challenges and drive effective development in the state.
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