Kano approves ₦33.45bn for development projects
Kano State Executive Council has approved the sum of ₦33,455,431,626.56 for the execution of various development projects across the state.
While briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting on Thursday, the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, disclosed that the Council approved the settlement of nine-month allowances for 2,369 screened street sweepers under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change at ₦426,420,000.00.
He stated that the council also approved ₦109,070,000.00 for the procurement and distribution of UTME/JAMB forms, including the screening, registration, and training of prospective candidates under the Ministry of Education.
Similarly, he noted that ₦284,122,002.61 was approved for the construction of a Model Primary Health Centre at Rimin Zakara in Ungogo Local Government Area under the Ministry of Health.
Furthermore, the commissioner stated that the Council approved the general repairs and renovation of physical structures at Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Shekara at the cost of ₦434,339,301.25, including the renovation of First Lady’s College, Magwan, at ₦893,109,270.55.
Also, he explained that the Council reviewed the contract rates for the construction of 8 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached houses, a gatehouse, and the renovation of the wall fence at Government House, Kano, with an approved sum of ₦90,725,980.96.
Additionally, he announced that ₦6,600,000,000.00 had been allocated for the implementation of 2025 State Constituency Projects, while ₦256,654,768.37 was approved for the ongoing renovation of the Deputy Governor’s Office at Government House, Kano.
Furthermore, he noted that ₦160,000,000.00 was approved for the purchase of property at Ja’en Quarters, Gwale LGA, for conversion into a public school.
Waiya disclosed that the Council approved ₦378,000,000.00 for the procurement of nine Toyota Hilux vehicles to be used as operational vehicles by some agencies and Local Government Project Monitoring Committees in the three senatorial districts.
He added that ₦9,760,888,878.39 was approved for the construction of seven rural roads and backlog rehabilitation intervention (Phase II) under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.
He further explained that ₦5,283,158,140.59 was allocated for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of Sharada Road (Dan Agundi Interchange – Panshekara Underpass), while ₦3,423,002,893.84 was earmarked for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of Murtala Mohammed Way (Club Road Roundabout – Bompai Road – Audu Bako Way – State Road Junction).
The commissioner also disclosed that the council approved ₦5,220,690,390.00 for the construction of 1,000 units of two-bedroom prototype houses for free distribution to victims of flood disasters.
He added that ₦135,250,000.00 was approved to augment the cost of providing befitting accommodation for 2,500 intending pilgrims at the Holy Land (closer to Harami).
He also stated that the Council approved the splitting of the Ministry of Works and Housing into two separate Ministries, comprising the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Housing Development, to enhance efficiency in infrastructure and housing development.
Waiya revealed to newsmen that the council approved the training of 2,000 members of the Kano State Vigilance Group and the provision of uniforms for 6,000 members. He also disclosed that the Council endorsed the buy-back of 324 houses in the Kwankwasiyya, Amana, and Bandirawo Mega Cities from Pension Funds Trustees, allowing the government to resell them to interested buyers and recoup the funds.
He further stated that approval was granted for the procurement of food items for Ramadan feeding programmes and palliatives, to be distributed to key stakeholders, interest groups, MDAs, CSOs, and NGOs.
The commissioner disclosed that the Council approved the engagement of Messrs. Skipper T&D DAMC as consultants for the completion and subsequent operation of the Challawa 2x3MW and Tiga 10MW Hydro Power Plants, pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
He also announced that Governor Abba Yusuf had signed into law three bills passed by the State House of Assembly, the Kano State Metropolitan Transport Agency Bill, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Bill, and the Security-Watch Neighbourhood Law.
Waiya revealed that the Executive Council received and reviewed the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the End-Bad Governance Protest of August 2024, which investigated cases of breach of peace, destruction of public and private property, and loss of lives.
He also stated that, in recognition of his administration’s commitment to Kano State’s development, Governor Abba Yusuf received six awards from various MDAs and NGOs.
Similarly, Waiya stated that the Governor presented awards to the top three winners of the 9th Edition of the 44 Young Kano State Scientists Competition, facilitated by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
On a final note, the commissioner assured the good people of Kano state that the government remains committed to the development of infrastructure, economic growth, and social welfare, adding that the Executive Council will continue to make decisions that will positively impact the lives of the citizens.
