By Ramatu Garba
Kano, Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN) – In a significant move to accelerate development, the Kano State Executive Council (SEC) has approved a substantial N38.6 billion for a wide-ranging portfolio of projects targeting education, infrastructure, water access, and public security. The approvals, granted during the 35th SEC meeting presided over by Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, signal a major capital injection into the state’s social and economic fabric.
Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Wayya, detailed the allocations in a post-meeting briefing, framing them as critical to improving governance, service delivery, and the overall quality of life for residents.
Major Investment in Education and School Infrastructure
The education sector received a major boost, with approvals aimed at resolving operational bottlenecks and improving learning environments. A key allocation of N1.6 billion is designated to settle outstanding obligations to suppliers for state boarding schools. This move is crucial for ensuring the uninterrupted provision of food and essential supplies, directly impacting student welfare and academic stability for the 2025/2026 session.
Beyond operational costs, the council committed funds for tangible infrastructure upgrades:
- N369.9 million for the rehabilitation of Government Secondary School, Mariri.
- N375 million for procuring 50,000 crate bags for primary and secondary students—a practical measure to support educational materials transport.
- N1.3 billion for the relocation and reconstruction of Maikwatashi and Danwaire Primary Schools to Gama ‘C’ in Nassarawa LGA, addressing community needs and potentially mitigating risks like flooding or overcrowding.
Accelerating Road, Water, and Energy Infrastructure
A substantial portion of the budget is directed at transportation and utilities, which are foundational for economic activity. Road projects span rural and urban corridors:
- N16.2 billion for the re-awarded Gwarzo – Tsaure – Tsanyawa Road, a major rural artery.
- N4.4 billion for a 5-kilometre dualised road in Karaye LGA.
- Over N2.6 billion combined for rehabilitation and additional works on critical urban routes like Murtala Muhammad Way, Bompai Road, and around the Airport Gate.
To address persistent water scarcity, the council approved N398.2 million for the Phase II Abba Kabir Yusuf Reach-Out Water Supply Projects in underserved communities and N182.1 million for a specific reticulation system in Hotoro. Furthermore, N577.3 million was approved to settle outstanding diesel and energy bills owed to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), a necessary step to ensure stable power supply to public facilities.
Focus on Security, Healthcare, and Community Projects
Security initiatives were prominently featured, with N483.7 million approved to procure 300 motorcycles for the newly established Neighbourhood Watch Corps. In a related and significant policy move, the council approved the formal integration of this corps into the state civil service with permanent, pensionable appointments—a decision aimed at professionalizing the force and boosting morale.
Other community-focused approvals include:
- N318.1 million for renovating and equipping Lamba Primary Healthcare Centre in Bichi.
- N6.8 billion for compensating 5,015 property owners in Rimin Zakara, facilitating planned urban development.
- Funds for religious and community structures, including a Juma’at Mosque in Kura LGA and the renovation of a burnt mosque and Islamiyya school in Rimin Gado.
Context and Implications
This broad suite of approvals represents a strategic deployment of state resources across multiple sectors simultaneously. The emphasis on settling debts (to school suppliers and KEDCO) suggests an administration keen on clearing legacy liabilities to restore trust and operational normalcy. The heavy investment in roads and water addresses long-standing infrastructural deficits that hinder commerce and daily life.
The integration of the Neighbourhood Watch into the formal civil service structure is a notable development in sub-national security strategy, potentially creating a model for other states.
In a symbolic show of support, Abubakar Musa-Kalla, a security guard from Fagge LGA, donated his November salary of N30,000 to the state’s security budget during the briefing, highlighting community engagement with the government’s security agenda.
The council also made approvals related to the management of the Kano State Mining Company, academic staff allowances at Northwest University, and measures to eradicate street begging, indicating a holistic approach to governance challenges.
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
RG/ RSA
