Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says his administration has inherited a huge debt burden of 587 million Dollars, 85 billion Naira, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous administration. Yet, his government has not borrowed a single kobo.
The governor, who announced this during a town hall meeting in Kaduna, said the huge debt burden was eating deep into the state’s federal allocation.
Malam Sani decried that due to the rise in the exchange rate, Kaduna State was now paying back about triple the amount borrowed by the previous administration of El-Rufai.
He explained that, seven billion out of the 10 billion naira Federal Allocation for the State in the month of March, was deducted to service the State’s debt.
“Despite the huge debt burden of 587 million Dollars, 85 billion Naira, and 115 Contractual Liabilities sadly inherited from the Previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development. We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly”
Governor Uba Sani explained that, his administration had remained resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.
According to him, the key priority areas of his government include Safety and Security, Housing, Education, Healthcare, and Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“We are also prioritizing inclusive development by investing in human capital, stimulating the economy, and providing affordable housing”
He said Kaduna State Government had
procured new operational vehicles, for distribution to the security agencies to enhance their operations which include Police, Army, DSS, Air Force among others.
Malam Uba Sani pointed out that, one of the primary responsibilities of any Government was the protection of lives and properties of its citizens, revealing that remarkable security progress has been achieved in various areas.
“Recruitment of 7,000 additional personnel for KADVS, We are strengthening our collaboration with security agencies, and fashioning more effective strategies to checkmate and degrade the evil elements laying siege to our communities”
“We are also closely engaging with neighboring states to develop joint strategies and carry out joint operations against the criminal elements”
“I stand before you today as your Governor to report on my stewardship thus far. We are committed to maintaining this platform as it fosters transparency and accountability in governance”
“I encourage you to express your concerns, worries, and suggestions freely. This government is yours, and we are here to listen and act on your demands. We prioritize citizens’ rights and freedoms”
He pointed out that, Kaduna State and Kuwait fund are working to reduce out of school children in the state by 200,000.
“The four year program will start in may/June 2024, it’s a 62 million dollar project that will build 102 new schools in kaduna and renovate 170 existing ones within a span of four year. The project will also train teachers, buy uniform and books for students as well give them feeding”
Malam Uba Sani maintained that, Kaduna State had entered another private partnership agreement with Urban shelter Nigeria to develop new districts in Kaduna state while the Ground breaking would be done April.
According to him, Kaduna State Government has signed partnership with Federal Housing Authority to develop a 200-hectare houses for the middle class and low-income earners in Kaduna. and the Groundbreaking will be done in April.
“We have approved the implementation of consolidated salary scale for our doctors and maintains strategic partnerships with UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation”
On Agriculture, Malam Uba Sani explained that his government has budgeted 22.549 Billion naira of it 2024 budget to the Agric sector in the state.
He added that, despite the numerous challenges confronting the state, their collective efforts are essential for Kaduna State’s progress.
We aspire to make rural living enjoyable and transform Kaduna into a premier business hub. Our ultimate goal is to rebuild trust and foster peace and harmony.
Earlier, Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai rtd said without peace and security no meaningful development can be achieved.
He commended the Governor Uba Sani for cutting cost of governance due to huge debt of the state.
In a remark, the Emir of Zazzau Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamali expressed optimism despite the challenges the governor has the capability to turn around the economy of the state for effective development.
He pledged the support of traditional rulers to ensure his administration succeed.
The town hall meeting had in attendance Religious leaders, the state top government officials, traditional rulers, captain of industries, politicians, Civil Society Organization, Women groups among others.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
