Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has stated that his administration will prioritise the safety and security of the people, among other things, News About Nigeria reports.
He stated this while addressing a town hall meeting at the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Kaduna, on Saturday.
He noted that housing, education, healthcare, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME), and inclusive development, which involves investing in human capital, stimulating the economy, and providing affordable housing, are all part of what his administration hopes to achieve in the state.
He, however, lamented the huge debt inherited from his predecessor on May 29, 2023, stating that the state is now left with a few amounts, which is not enough to pay salaries.
He added that his administration inherited a total of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contract liabilities from the ex-governor, but expressed joy that he had yet to borrow money in the last nine months of his government, maintaining that the huge debt burden was eating deep into the state’s federal allocation.
“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 gladdened my heart to inform you that despite the huge inherited debt of the state to date, we have not borrowed a single kobo,” he stated.
He further noted that, due to the rise in the exchange rate, he was paying back almost triple what was borrowed by the administration of Nasir El-Rufai.
He, however, assured the people of the state that his administration remained determined to steer the state towards progress and sustainable development, as the government had conducted a thorough assessment of the situation and was sharpening its focus accordingly.
