The investigation into Kaduna’s financial affairs during Nasir el-Rufai’s tenure as governor has commenced, shedding light on significant debts and liabilities. The 13-member committee, established by the Kaduna assembly in April, is delving into loans, grants, and project executions spanning from 2015 to 2023.
According to Suraj Bamalli, media aide to Yusuf Liman, the Kaduna assembly’s speaker, the committee’s mission is to scrutinize financial aspects during el-Rufai’s administration. This move comes in the wake of Governor Uba Sani’s revelation on March 30, stating that his administration inherited a substantial debt load.
“The adhoc committee set up to conduct a comprehensive fact-finding into financial dealings, the status of executed contracts, loans, grants, and project implementation from 2015-2023 has commenced its clarification session,” the statement reads.
“The committee has engaged in detailed discussions with several key present and past government officials, including former Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Honorable Manzo Maigari; Former KADPPA Boss and Commissioner of Budget and Planning, Honorable Thomas Gyang, Commissioner and Administrator of Zaria Metropolitan Authority, Hajia Balaraba Aliyu, amongst others.
“The Kaduna State House of Assembly appreciates the cooperation and contributions of all individuals involved in this process and assures the public of their dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance during this process.”
Governor Sani highlighted an inherited debt totaling $587 million, N85 billion, alongside 115 contractual liabilities, painting a picture of fiscal challenges that are impacting Kaduna’s share of monthly federation allocations negatively.
The ongoing investigation is poised to unveil the intricacies of Kaduna’s financial landscape during a pivotal governance era, providing insights crucial for transparency and future financial planning.
