In a disclosure at the North-West zonal meeting of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) held in Kaduna, Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo revealed that the NNPP-led administration inherited a substantial debt of over N300 billion from the previous government of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. Gwarzo explained that the previous administration left a significant financial burden for the incumbent governor, Abba Yusuf.
He further disclosed that the state government’s debt management office is actively assessing the total debt profile of the state under Dr. Ganduje, who currently serves as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Upon taking office, Governor Abba Yusuf had to address the pressing issue of unpaid salaries, and he ensured the full payment of salaries for state workers, as well as tackled other challenges facing the state’s workforce.
Deputy Governor Gwarzo assured party members and supporters that the NNPP is committed to not disappointing the people of Kano State. He emphasized the prudent management of available resources by the current state government.
Gwarzo stated, “Upon assuming office, Governor Abba Yusuf ordered the full payment of salaries, addressing the previous deductions that workers experienced. Additionally, the state will begin disbursing retirement gratuities, including death benefits for families of deceased retirees, starting this month. The first beneficiaries will be junior staff from levels one to six. We have allocated N6 billion for this purpose, with a goal of clearing all outstanding gratuities within the next two years.
“We inherited a government that left us with nothing but debt, initially estimated at N300 billion but now approaching N500 billion. Once the assessment is complete, we will inform the public, especially our fellow Kano residents, about the total debt left behind.”
In response to Gwarzo’s statement, Kano’s former Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Garba, noted that borrowing is a common practice in governance and is not inherently a crime. He mentioned the development projects initiated during the previous administration and highlighted that the current administration is also taking loans, suggesting that they may accumulate substantial debt before their term ends.