Rita Odafe
Denial of Foreign Debt Accusations by Kano State Government
The Kano State administration has dismissed rumors regarding foreign debt, asserting that these accusations aim to jeopardize its commitment to infrastructural development.
Additionally, officials denied allegations that Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf has borrowed ₦177 billion from France, labeling the claims as “malicious” and “incorrect.”
Hamisu Sadi Ali, the Director General of the Kano State Public Debt Management Office, clarified that his office has no knowledge of any new loans beyond those inherited from the previous government.
Ali reiterated that according to the Kano State Public Debt Management Law of 2021, any borrowing must be overseen by the State Debt Management Office and adhere to strict guidelines.
He highlighted a loan agreement from July 2018 made by the prior government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Ali pointed out that it was Ganduje’s administration that obtained a €64 million subsidiary loan from the French Development Agency intended for the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project, with €13 million already allocated.
He stressed that the current government, under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), is focused solely on managing debts incurred by the previous administration.
“The loan originated under Ganduje’s tenure and is the latest foreign loan acquired by the state, aimed at enhancing affordable water services,” he said.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, the NNPP government has not engaged in securing any new loans, either from domestic or foreign sources.
Ali encouraged the public to dismiss what he termed “fake news,” criticizing the media outlet for not engaging in thorough investigative reporting.
“People should disregard this fabricated narrative. Journalism should involve deep investigation and not serve as a platform for disseminating unfounded, false stories,” Ali stated.
