Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has sounded the alarm regarding the significant debt burden left behind by his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai. In a town hall meeting on Saturday, Governor Sani revealed that his administration inherited a staggering debt of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous administration.

The governor expressed concern over the impact of the exchange rate on the state’s finances, noting that the depreciation has led to the state paying nearly three times the amount borrowed by the previous administration. This debt burden has put a strain on the state’s federal allocation, making it challenging for the government to meet its financial obligations, including paying salaries.

Despite the daunting financial situation, Governor Sani affirmed his commitment to steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development. He emphasized that his administration has not taken on any additional debt since coming into office, opting instead to focus on strategic planning and resource management.

Governor Sani outlined key priority areas for his administration, including safety and security, housing, education, healthcare, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He highlighted efforts to enhance security through the revitalization of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service and the recruitment of 7,000 additional personnel, along with the procurement of vehicles and motorcycles for security agencies.

In the education sector, Governor Sani detailed initiatives to address skill gaps and reduce the number of out-of-school children in collaboration with Kuwait. A $62 million project is set to commence in 2024, aiming to construct 102 new schools and renovate 170 existing ones over a four-year period.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), urged the government to prioritize addressing security challenges in the state. He commended Governor Sani for taking steps to reduce the cost of governance in light of the state’s debt burden, calling on residents to unite and support the government in overcoming financial challenges.

Emir Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, pledged the support of the traditional institution to the governor, expressing confidence in his ability to revitalize the state’s economy amidst adversity. The collective efforts of government officials, security agencies, and community leaders will be crucial in navigating the financial hurdles and fostering sustainable development in Kaduna State.