Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has disclosed that his administration inherited a staggering debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous government. This has made it challenging for the state to pay workers’ salaries.

Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, Governor Sani highlighted the financial constraints facing the state. Despite this, he emphasized that his administration had not borrowed any funds during the past nine months.

“We are facing a significant debt burden inherited from the previous administration, which is affecting our ability to meet monthly salary obligations,” Governor Sani stated.

He explained that due to the rise in the exchange rate, Kaduna State is now paying back almost triple the amount borrowed by the previous administration. This has led to a substantial deduction from the state’s Federal Allocation to service the debt.

“Out of the N10 billion Federal Allocation due to the state in March, N7 billion was deducted to service the debt, leaving only N3 billion. Unfortunately, this amount is insufficient to cover our monthly salary bill of N5.2 billion,” the governor lamented.

However, Governor Sani assured the public that despite these challenges, his administration remained committed to steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development. He underscored the government’s focus on safety and security, infrastructural development, education, housing, social intervention, and investment drive.

“We have not borrowed a single kobo despite the huge inherited debt burden. Our priorities for 2024 include addressing security challenges, enhancing education, and promoting economic growth,” Governor Sani affirmed.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), and Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, also spoke at the event. They emphasized the importance of addressing security challenges and expressed confidence in the governor’s ability to lead the state towards economic prosperity despite the prevailing difficulties.