In compliance with the Kano State Debt Management Office Law, 2021, specifically Section 4, the Kano State Debt Management Office (DMO) has established debt offices in all 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. This initiative aims to improve the collation, recording, analysis, and reporting of LG debt data to the state DMO.
The move followed a three-day capacity-building workshop held from January 10th to 13th, 2025, at B. Nakowa Modern Guest Lodge, Dutse, Jigawa State. The workshop trained appointed debt officers and featured key stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government (represented by his Permanent Secretary), the Director General of the Public Debt Management Office, and directors from relevant MDAs, CSOs, and media.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, DG of the State DMO, emphasized debt as a crucial component of government fiscal policy, citing Section 4 (c, g, and n) of the Kano State Debt Management Office Law, 2021. He noted that the state successfully serviced N63 billion in loan obligations from January to June 2024. Dr. Hamisu also announced the establishment of a Special Unit within the DMO to coordinate the activities of the new LGA debt offices.
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The Director of Training from the Ministry for Local Government praised the selection process for the debt officers, describing it as merit-based and transparent. The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, represented by Permanent Secretary Malam Misbahu Ahmad Badawi, commended the initiative and urged participants to organize stepdown training sessions in their respective senatorial zones.
During the workshop, six expert-led presentations covered topics such as debt management in developing countries, Islamic finance alternatives, Waqf-based loan financing, and practical skills like Microsoft Excel basics. Renowned scholars, including Prof. Garba Ado from ABU Zaria and Prof. Aminu K. Kurfi from Bayero University, Kano, facilitated the sessions.
At the workshop’s conclusion, certificates and appointment letters were awarded to the 44 LGA debt officers, whose dedication was lauded throughout the program. The newly established debt offices will be responsible for conducting annual Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA), quarterly debt service obligation reports, and annual audits in collaboration with local treasurers and accounting officers.
The event concluded with a communique highlighting key recommendations and reiterating the Kano State Government’s commitment to fiscal sustainability and prudent debt management. Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali underscored the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the initiative’s success.
“Together, we can achieve fiscal sustainability and secure a prosperous future for the people of Kano State,” he stated.
