The Kano State Debt Management Office (DMO) has established debt offices in the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, as mandated by Section 4 of the State Debt Management Office Law, 2021. The aim is to streamline the collection, recording, analysis, and reporting of local government debt data to the state DMO.
This development followed a three-day workshop held from January 10 to 13, 2025, at B. Nakowa Modern Guest Lodge, Dutse, Jigawa State.
The workshop aimed to train the appointed debt officers. Attendees included the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, represented by his Permanent Secretary, the Director of Training from the Ministry for Local Government, the Director General of the Public Debt Management Office, directors from relevant ministries, civil society organizations, and the media.
The DG of the State DMO, Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, stressed the significance of debt in government fiscal policy, stating, “Debt is an integral part of government fiscal policy.” He referenced Section 4 (c, g, and n) of the 2021 law to justify the creation of these offices. He also noted the state’s repayment of N63 billion in loans from January to June 2024 and announced the establishment of a new Special Unit within the State DMO to coordinate the activities of the LGA debt offices.
The Director of Training from the Ministry for Local Government remarked, “I am happy that those who will serve as debt officers across the 44 LGAs were selected based on merit and competence.” The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, represented by Malam Misbahu Ahmad Badawi, urged participants to organize step-down training in their respective senatorial zones.
The workshop featured six presentations by experts. Prof. Garba Ado from ABU Zaria provided a theoretical and conceptual review of debt in developing countries. Prof. Aminu K. Kurfi from Bayero University, Kano, discussed Islamic finance as an alternative to conventional finance. Dr. Nura Abubakar Gwadabe from Northwest University, Kano, presented on Waqf-based loan (Qard Al Hassan) financing in Kano State.
Other sessions included computer skills and Microsoft Excel basics by Prof. Ibrahim Magaji Barde, debt management expertise enhancement by Prof. Isma’il Tijjani, and sustainable financing for infrastructure development by Prof. Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad.
Certificates and appointment letters were issued to the 44 LGA debt officers at the conclusion of the workshop. The debt offices will be responsible for collating, recording, analyzing, and reporting debt data, conducting annual Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA), and preparing quarterly reports on debt service obligations. They will also collaborate with treasurers and accounting officers to perform annual audits in compliance with the law.
A communique summarizing participants’ observations, recommendations, and commendations was issued at the end of the event.
Dr. Hamisu emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration for fiscal sustainability and effective debt management, stating, “Continued collaboration among stakeholders is essential to achieving these goals and securing a prosperous future for the people of Kano State.”
