The Kano State Executive Council has approved a total of ₦33,455,431,626.56 for various development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare across the state.
According to The PUNCH, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, outlined several key projects, including the settlement of nine-month allowances for 2,369 screened street sweepers under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, at a cost of ₦426,420,000.
The Council is committed to ensuring that essential workers receive their entitlements on time, as they play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for residents, Waiya stated.
In the education sector, the Council approved ₦109,070,000 for the procurement and distribution of UTME/JAMB forms, covering screening, registration, and training for prospective candidates under the Ministry of Education.
Additionally, ₦434,339,301.25 was allocated for the renovation of Government Girls Secondary School, Shekara, while ₦893,109,270.55 was set aside for the refurbishment of First Lady’s College, Magwan. The Council also approved ₦160 million for the purchase of property in Ja’en Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area, which will be converted into a public school.
In healthcare, the state allocated ₦284,122,002.61 for the construction of a Model Primary Health Centre at Rimin Zakara in Ungogo Local Government Area, reinforcing the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access in rural communities.
For infrastructure and housing development, the Council reviewed and approved revised contract rates for the construction of eight units of two-bedroom semi-detached houses, a gatehouse, and the renovation of the wall fence at Government House, Kano, with a budget of ₦90,725,980.96. Additionally, ₦256,654,768.37 was allocated for ongoing renovations at the Deputy Governor’s Office.
A significant ₦6.6 billion was earmarked for the implementation of 2025 State Constituency Projects. The Council also approved ₦9.76 billion for the construction of seven rural roads and the backlog rehabilitation intervention under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.
Another ₦5.28 billion was allocated for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of Sharada Road (Dan Agundi Interchange to Panshekara Underpass), while ₦3.42 billion was set aside for the rehabilitation of Murtala Mohammed Way.
To support flood victims, ₦5.22 billion was approved for the construction of 1,000 two-bedroom prototype houses, which will be distributed free of charge.
In a move to enhance governance efficiency, the Council approved the separation of the Ministry of Works and Housing into two distinct ministries: the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Housing Development. Waiya explained that the restructuring would enable a more focused approach to both infrastructure and housing projects.
The creation of two separate ministries will ensure a more focused approach to both infrastructure and housing development, he said.
For security enhancement, the Council approved the training of 2,000 members of the Kano State Vigilance Group and the provision of uniforms for 6,000 personnel. It also 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.
The Council also approved ₦378 million for the procurement of nine Toyota Hilux vehicles to support operational activities of government agencies and local government project monitoring committees across the three senatorial districts.
Regarding social welfare, funds were approved for the procurement of food items for the Ramadan feeding programme and palliatives to be distributed to key stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
In the energy sector, the Council approved the engagement of Messrs. Skipper T&D DAMC as consultants for the completion and operation of the Challawa 2x3MW and Tiga 10MW Hydro Power Plants, pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Meanwhile, Governor Abba Yusuf signed into law three key 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.
The Executive Council also received and reviewed the report from the Commission of Inquiry into the End-Bad Governance Protest of August 2024, which investigated incidents of unrest, property destruction, and loss of lives.
Waiya further revealed that Governor Abba Yusuf had been recognized with six awards from various ministries, departments, and organizations in acknowledgment of his administration’s contributions to Kano State’s development.
Additionally, the governor presented awards to the top three winners of the 9th Edition of the 44 Young Kano State Scientists Competition, organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
