The Kano State Executive Council has approved the sum of N33.45 billion for various development projects across the state, focusing on infrastructure, education, health, and social welfare.
The approval was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a press briefing on the outcome of the Executive Council meeting.
A statement signed by the Director of Special Duties, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Sani Abba Yola, the funds will be allocated to critical sectors to enhance development in the state.
Yola revealed that N426.4 million was approved for settling nine-month allowances of 2,369 screened street sweepers under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Additionally, N109 million was earmarked for the procurement and distribution of UTME/JAMB forms, including screening, registration, and training of candidates under the Ministry of Education.
In the health sector, N284.1 million was allocated for the construction of a Model Primary Health Centre at Rimin Zakara in Ungoggo Local Government Area of the state.
Furthermore, N434.3 million was approved for the renovation of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Shekara, while the First Lady’s College, Magwan will undergo renovation at a cost of N893.1 million.
For government infrastructure, the Council reviewed 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 an approved sum of N90.7 million.
Another N6.6 billion was allocated for 2025 State Constituency Projects, while N256.7 million was set aside for the ongoing renovation of the Deputy Governor’s Office.
The government has also set aside N160 million to purchase property at Ja’en Quarters, Gwale LGA, for conversion into a public school.
Additionally, N5.22 billion was approved for the construction of 1,000 two-bedroom prototype houses, to be distributed free of charge to flood victims.
Road construction and rehabilitation received substantial allocations, with N9.76 billion earmarked for the construction of seven rural roads and backlog rehabilitation intervention (Phase II) under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
The Council also approved N5.28 billion for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of Sharada Road (Dan Agundi Interchange – Panshekara Underpass) and N3.42 billion for similar work on Murtala Mohammed Way (Club Road Roundabout – Bompai Road – Audu Bako Way – State Road Junction).
In order toa strengthen security, the Council approved N378 million for the procurement of nine Toyota Hilux vehicles for use by agencies and Local Government Project Monitoring Committaees across the three senatoriaal districts.
Additionally, 2,000 members of the Kano State Vigilante Group will undergo training, while 6,000 members will receive uniforms.
The Council further split the Ministry of Works and Housing into two separate ministries—the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Housing Development—to enhance efficiency in infrastructure and housing development.
According to the statement, the government has approved the buy-back of 324 houses in Kwankwasiyya, Amana, and Bandirawo Mega Cities from Pension Funds Trustees.
These houses will be resold to interested buyers, allowing the government to recoup funds.
Additionally, food items will be procured for Ramadan feeding programmes and palliatives, to be distributed to key stakeholders, MDAs, CSOs, and NGOs.
The Council also 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 (MoU).
Comrade Waiya also announced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has signed three bills into law, passed by the Kano State House of Assembly.
These include 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 reviewed the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the #EndBadGovernance Protest of August 2024, which investigated cases of breach of peace, destruction of public and private property, and loss of lives.
Additionally, he 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.
The Commissioner reassured residents that the Kano State government remains committed to infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare.
He added that the Executive Council will continue implementing policies and programmes that will improve the lives of citizens.