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, highlighted 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.
He also announced the approval of ₦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.
In the health sector, ₦284,122,002.61 was allocated for the construction of a Model Primary Health Centre at Rimin Zakara in Ungogo Local Government Area.
The commissioner emphasized that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access in rural communities.
Furthermore, the Council approved ₦434,339,301.25 for the renovation of Government Girls Secondary School Shekara, while ₦893,109,270.55 was allocated for the refurbishment of First Lady’s College, Magwan.
Waiya disclosed that 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, ₦6.6 billion was earmarked for the implementation of 2025 State Constituency Projects, and ₦256,654,768.37 was allocated for ongoing renovations at the Deputy Governor’s Office.
As part of efforts to expand public education, the Council approved ₦160 million for the purchase of property in Ja’en Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area, which will be converted into a public school.
For transportation and security enhancement, ₦378 million was allocated for the procurement of nine Toyota Hilux vehicles to support operational activities of government agencies and local government project monitoring committees in the three senatorial districts.
Rural development also received significant funding, with ₦9.76 billion approved 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 set aside for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of Sharada Road (Dan Agundi Interchange to Panshekara Underpass), while ₦3.42 billion was allocated for the rehabilitation of Murtala Mohammed Way.
To support flood victims, the Council approved ₦5.22 billion for the construction of 1,000 two-bedroom prototype houses, which will be distributed free of charge.
In a move to improve housing and infrastructure development, the Council approved the splitting of the Ministry of Works and Housing into two separate ministries: the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Housing Development. Waiya explained that this restructuring aims to enhance efficiency in executing projects.
“The creation of two separate ministries will ensure a more focused approach to both infrastructure and housing development,” he said.
To strengthen security, 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.
Waiya further announced that funds had been 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.
Regarding energy development, 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.
Governor Abba Yusuf also signed into law three key bills passed by the State House of Assembly, including the Kano State Metropolitan Transport Agency Bill, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Bill, and the Security-Watch Neighbourhood Law.
Additionally, the Executive Council 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 also 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
