Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, revealed on Saturday that his administration inherited a significant debt burden of $587 million and N85 billion from his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Kaduna, Governor Sani also disclosed that his government inherited 115 contract liabilities from the previous administration.
Despite these challenges, Governor Sani pledged to lead the state towards progress and sustainable development using the limited resources available to his administration.
He outlined the priority areas of his government, which include security, housing, education, healthcare, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The town hall meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including former Governor Ramalan Yero, retired General Martin-Luther Agwai, members of the state executive council, the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of organized labor, civil society organizations, youths, and women groups.
Governor Sani emphasized that his administration had not borrowed any funds in the nine months since assuming office, despite the significant debt inherited from the previous administration.
“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,” he said.
“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.”