Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from former governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai.
Governor Sani, who disclosed this in Kaduna on Saturday while addressing a town hall meeting, said the huge debt burden was eating deep into the state’s federal allocation, adding that, due to the rise in the exchange rate, the state is now paying back almost triple of what was borrowed by the previous administration.
He explained that N7 billion out of the N10 billion federal allocation for the state in March was deducted to service the state’s debt.
He further lamented that the state was left with N3 billion, an amount he said was not enough to pay salaries, as the state’s monthly salary bill stands at N5.2 billion.
Governor Sani said despite the debt inherited, his administration had not borrowed “a single kobo” in the last nine months of his government.
“Despite the huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, 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. It gladdens my heart to inform you that despite the huge inherited debt on the state, till date, we have not borrowed a single kobo,” he said.
The governor further said the key priority areas of his government include safety and security, housing, education, healthcare, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs.
He said his government would also prioritise inclusive development by investing in human capital, stimulating the economy, and providing affordable housing.
Governor Sani highlighted some of his administration’s top priorities for 2024 to include safety and security, infrastructural development, education development, housing and urban development, social intervention, and investment drive, among others.
In his remarks, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd), sought solutions to the security challenges facing the state, noting that without peace and security, no meaningful development could be achieved.
He commended Governor Sani for cutting the cost of governance due to the huge debt of the state, while urging all residents to eschew political, religious, or ethnic differences and support the state government in overcoming the debt challenge.
Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, expressed optimism despite the challenges facing the state, adding that the governor has the capability to turn around the economy of the state for effective development.
He pledged the support of all traditional rulers in the state to ensure that this administration succeeds.
