In a significant move to accelerate development and address critical infrastructure needs, the Kano State Executive Council has sanctioned a major expenditure of over ₦6.9 billion for a diverse portfolio of projects and initiatives. The approval, granted during the 36th Executive Council meeting at the Government House, signals a focused investment in physical infrastructure, human capital, and governance frameworks aimed at improving the welfare of citizens across the state.
Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, who disclosed the details, outlined a strategic allocation of funds designed to tackle both immediate challenges and long-term development goals. The projects underscore a multi-pronged approach to governance, balancing hard infrastructure with soft, community-focused programs.
Infrastructure and Urban Development: Addressing Flooding and Connectivity
A substantial portion of the funds is directed towards resolving persistent infrastructure deficits. A key allocation of ₦358.5 million for storm water drainage in Kano Municipal is a direct response to recurring urban flooding, a problem that plagues many Nigerian cities during the rainy season, causing property damage and disrupting economic activity. This project aims to improve the city’s resilience to climate impacts.
Furthermore, the council approved ₦896 million for the reconstruction of a failed culvert in Kiru Local Government Area. Such failures often sever crucial transportation links, isolating communities and hindering the movement of goods and people. This repair is essential for restoring economic and social connectivity. Additionally, ₦1.2 billion was earmarked for a new box culvert construction, preventing future similar failures in vulnerable areas.
Road Construction and Fair Compensation
Recognizing that development must be equitable, the council approved over ₦859.2 million as compensation for structures affected by a 5km road construction in Tudun Wada LGA. This highlights a growing, though not always followed, best practice in Nigerian infrastructure development: proactively addressing the social cost of progress to mitigate hardship for displaced residents and reduce community conflict.
Another major transport project is the ₦2.6 billion allocation for the ‘Yandodo-Mai-Allo Road construction. New road projects like this are critical for opening up rural areas, reducing travel time, lowering transportation costs for farmers, and stimulating local economies.
Investing in People: Education, Water, and Empowerment
Beyond concrete and asphalt, the approvals reflect a strong focus on human development. An allocation of ₦285 million for classroom construction addresses the pressing need for expanded educational facilities to accommodate a growing student population.
In a direct effort to boost livelihoods, ₦431.7 million was approved for the Entrepreneurship Institute’s graduation and empowerment program. Such funds are typically used for starter packs, tools, or seed grants, providing graduates with the tangible means to launch or scale small businesses, thereby tackling unemployment at its root.
The council also approved ₦85.6 million for water pipeline extension in Gwale, a project aimed at improving access to clean water—a fundamental public health intervention that reduces waterborne diseases and improves quality of life.
Strengthening Governance and Anti-Corruption
A notable and perhaps unique allocation is the ₦157.7 million approved for the conduct of an anti-corruption workshop. This indicates an institutional effort to build capacity and foster a culture of accountability within the state’s bureaucracy, which is essential for ensuring the efficient use of the large sums being invested in projects.
To solidify governance structures, the council approved the transmission of four critical bills to the State House of Assembly:
- The Kano State Local Governments Administration Bill 2025: Likely aimed at clarifying roles, improving autonomy, or strengthening service delivery at the grassroots level.
- The Kano State Economic Planning and Development Council Bill 2025: Seeks to institutionalize strategic economic planning for sustainable growth.
- The Kano State Education Bill 2025: Could standardize policies, funding, or quality assurance across the education sector.
- Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Dambatta Law 2025: Renames the institution, potentially in honor of a former leader and to elevate its profile.
The council also greenlit the implementation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy and Manual, a framework crucial for attracting private sector investment and expertise for large-scale projects the state cannot fund alone.
Recognition and Partnership
The meeting was not solely about spending. The council also recognized outstanding achievements through awards in areas like digital transformation, healthcare delivery, and community development. Furthermore, development partners presented a skills acquisition training package and donated a 32-seater coaster bus, highlighting the role of collaboration in the state’s development agenda.
In totality, these approvals by the Kano State Executive Council represent a comprehensive development blueprint. By simultaneously funding road repairs, drainage systems, classroom construction, entrepreneurship, water access, and governance reforms, the government is attempting a holistic upgrade of the state’s physical and institutional infrastructure. The true measure of success, however, will be in the transparent, timely, and quality execution of these projects to ensure the allocated ₦6.9 billion translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Kano’s residents.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
