Kano Approves N3.4bn For Key Projects

Kano State government has approved major projects, policies and interventions aimed at enhancing development across the state.

The commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the approval was giVen at the 25th Executive Council meeting held in kano.

He explained that the council approved N3.398 billion for various infrastructural, health, education, and social welfare projects.

“Among the major approvals is N148.9 million for the maintenance of the School of Technology road network, alongside an additional N367.9 million advance payment for the expansion of Zaria Road.

“To improve the state’s electrical infrastructure, the Council approved N612.4 million for converting external electrical systems to an underground network at Government House and relocating power lines along Ahmadu Bello Way.

“In the health sector, N184 million has been earmarked for the procurement of ambulances for Government House Clinic and Nuhu Bamalli Maternity Hospital, while N195 million has been allocated as counterpart funding for the free maternal, neonatal and child health as well as free accident and emergency programmes.

“Furthermore, N348.2 million has been approved for the settlement of electricity bills owed to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for November and December 2024. The government remains committed to education and students’ welfare, as reflected in the approval of N662.5 million for the feeding of boarding school students for the third, fourth and fifth weeks of the current academic term,” he stated.

Waiya added that in a move to address environmental challenges, the council also allocated N642.5 million as compensation under the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) at the Bulbula/Gayawa Erosion Site.

He added that the state government has also approved N136.4 million to complete the remaining 50 percent payment of hazard and excess workload allowances for non-academic staff at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil while N100 million has been granted as financial assistance to the Nigeria Union of Pensioners for their Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Kano.

“In addition to these financial commitments, the council has also approved significant policy decisions aimed at improving governance and public welfare. One of the key decisions is the salary increment for academic and non-academic staff in all tertiary institutions across the state, with academic staff receiving a 25 percent increase and non-academic staff benefiting from a 35 percent increase,” he added.

The commissioner also said that another important decision taken by the council was the revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy (No. COM/2023/503) previously granted to RUSBI Group of Companies for establishing a private university in Bichi.

“The council also approved the re-engagement and reopening of the Kiru Reformatory Institute to rehabilitate and reintegrate troubled youths into society. In a progressive move towards inclusivity, a new department for people with disabilities has been created under the Ministry of Women, Children and Disabled,” he added.