Kano Gov’t Doubles Forest Guards’ Allowances, Approves ₦51.6bn For Projects

The Kano State Executive Council has approved a 100% upward review of monthly allowances for forest guards under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

This was part of a broad set of decisions reached during the 27th Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 28, 2025, and chaired by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The Council also approved the release of ₦11 million to settle 11 months of outstanding allowances owed to 100 forest guards.

According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Council also granted a total approval of ₦51,575,700,575.96 for various projects and programmes aimed at boosting infrastructure, education, and public welfare in the state.

Among the most substantial allocations was the sum of ₦15.67 billion for the payment of severance gratuities and allowances to former councillors who served between 2014 and 2024.

Infrastructure development also featured prominently, with ₦5.49 billion approved for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of major roads including those from Gidan Mallam Aminu Kano (Mumbayya House) to Tal’udu Junction, Gadon Kaya, Yahaya Gusau Road, and Sharada Road.

Another ₦3.46 billion was allocated for the installation of wireless solar-powered traffic lights across Kano metropolis under the Urban Renewal Programme.

In the education sector, the Council approved ₦1.21 billion for upgrading the School for Islamic Studies in Dawakin Tofa, Tofa, and Ungogo Local Government Areas.

The Ministry of Education also received ₦327.8 million to clear outstanding liabilities.

Furthermore, the sum of ₦5.38 billion was allocated for the continuation of the state’s foreign scholarship programme and the commencement of a domestic scholarship scheme.

As part of the measures to address the persistent challenge of water scarcity, the Council approved ₦1.69 billion to the Ministry of Water Resources to cover electricity, diesel, and petrol costs for the Greater Kano Works and Water Board Headquarters from January to March 2025.

The Ministry of Works received additional allocations including ₦390.3 million for the installation of elevators at Gidan Murtala and Gidan Ado Bayero, ₦122.1 million for renovation at the Kano Educational Resources Department, and ₦105.4 million for the construction of the Miller Road to Mission Road.

Renovation and development of public facilities also featured in the approvals. ₦409.4 million was earmarked for the renovation of the Governor’s Lodge on Sultan Road in Kaduna, ₦240.5 million for fire service vehicles at the Government House, ₦1.46 billion for the upgrade of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy in Sharada, and ₦274.7 million for the construction of a perimeter wall at the Kano State Government House.

In the area of land development, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning was granted ₦265.8 million to compensate property owners affected by the expansion of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, and ₦81.1 million for compensation related to the construction of Panda–Hamdullahi–Albasu–Sakwayen Dutse Road.

The Council also approved ₦185.1 million for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to settle outstanding fiber optic installation and bandwidth subscriptions from 2023 to 2025.

Religious infrastructure was not left out, with ₦303.3 million approved for the construction of a Juma’at Mosque and ancillary works in Rijiyar Gwangwan, Dawakin Kudu LGA, and ₦115.9 million for the renovation of the Juma’at Mosque at Amana City.

During the meeting, the Governor received the newly developed Kano State Transportation Policy Document, which is expected to serve as a roadmap for sustainable transport reforms in the state.

The statement emphasised that the array of approvals clearly demonstrated the government’s resolve to drive development through strategic investment across all sectors.