The Kano State government has addressed misconceptions regarding the state’s foreign debt, dismissing recent reports as deliberate attempts by certain individuals to undermine its efforts in promoting infrastructural development.
The government also denied claims that Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf had taken a ₦177 billion loan from France, calling the reports “malicious” and “false.”
Hamisu Sadi Ali, the Director General of the Kano State Public Debt Management Office, clarified that his office was unaware of any new loans aside from the debt inherited from the previous administration.
Ali explained that under the Kano State Public Debt Management Law of 2021, any government borrowing must be processed through the State Debt Management Office and follow strict procedures before approval.
He referred to a loan agreement signed in July 2018 by the previous administration, led by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
According to Ali, the Ganduje administration secured a subsidiary loan of €64 million from the French Development Agency for the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project, with €13 million already disbursed.
Ali emphasized that the current administration is solely focused on servicing the existing debt accumulated under Ganduje’s leadership.
“The loan was signed by Ganduje’s administration, and that has been the most recent foreign facility contracted by the state. The loan is intended for the provision of affordable water services,” Ali stated.
“Since the NNPP administration came into power on May 29, 2023, no new loans—domestic or international—have been taken,” he added.Ali urged the public to disregard what he described as “fake news” and called for responsible journalism.
“The public should kindly ignore this fabricated report. Journalism should be a deeply investigative venture, not a tool for spreading non-factual, fabricated stories,” Ali said.