Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has disclosed the daunting financial situation inherited from the previous administration, led by Nasir El-Rufai.
At a town hall meeting held on Saturday to give an account of his stewardship, Governor Sani lamented the burden of a $587 million debt, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities, which have significantly impacted the state’s federal allocation.
The governor emphasized his commitment to navigating Kaduna State towards progress despite the financial constraints, utilizing the available resources efficiently.
The meeting, attended by various stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, Organised Labour members, civil society organizations, youths, and women groups, provided a platform for Governor Sani to present his administration’s priorities.
Accompanied by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, Governor Sani outlined key focus areas such as security, housing, education, healthcare, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The Commissioner of Finance, Shizzer Bada, delivered a presentation detailing the state’s revenue profile and the deductions made to service the inherited debt.
Additionally, Muktar Ahmed, the Budget and Planning counterpart, addressed the issue of contractual liabilities, highlighting instances where contractors abandoned projects despite receiving payments.
Despite the daunting challenges, Governor Sani reassured the people of his unwavering commitment to steering the state towards progress and sustainable development.
The town hall meeting served as an opportunity for transparency and accountability, allowing Governor Sani’s administration to engage with stakeholders and address concerns regarding the state’s financial situation and development agenda.
As Kaduna State grapples with inherited debts and contractual obligations, the governor’s pledge to prioritize progress remains central to his leadership vision.
