By Usman Usman Garba
The Kano State Executive Council has approved a historic sum of more than N28 billion for various development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors in the state.
The approval was finalized during the council’s meeting on Wednesday, December 18, at the Government House, Kano. According to a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the decisions underscore the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and enhanced public services across the state.
Infrastructure Development: Key Road Projects:
A significant portion of the approved funds will go toward the rehabilitation and development of major roads throughout Kano State. Among the key projects is the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Muhammadu Buhari Road, for which N4.1 billion has been allocated. Additionally, the Airport Junction to Ashton Road project, which is estimated to cost N7.4 billion, is set to improve transportation links in the region.
Other road-related projects include the rehabilitation of the Airport Gate-Triumph Roundabout to Ahmadu Bello Way road, with an allocation of N5.6 billion, and the completion of a dualized 5km road in Kumbotso Local Government Area, now revised to N2.2 billion.
To enhance urban lighting, the council has approved N719 million for the installation of solar-powered streetlights along newly dualized roads in Albasu and Danbatta Local Government Areas.
Education and Healthcare Investments:
The education sector also received a significant boost with an allocation of N1.8 billion for the procurement of 22,000 educational materials, including Parts of Speech Charts and ABCS Parts of Speech Textbooks for schools across the state. Additionally, N500 million has been earmarked for equipping 100 secondary schools with laboratory equipment, chemicals, and glassware.
In the healthcare sector, several projects have been prioritized to enhance the state’s medical infrastructure. A sum of N332 million has been approved for renovations at Sheikh Muhammad Jiddah General Hospital in Fagge Local Government Area. The council also greenlit the construction of a new Zone I building at the Dental Centre and the renovation of the old Zone I headquarters in Sabon Gari, with a combined cost of N240 million.
Further, N295 million has been allocated for the installation of solar power systems at the Primary Healthcare Management Board headquarters, state cold stores, and six zonal stores to improve energy efficiency.
Additional Key Approvals:
Other notable approvals include N111 million for the expansion of the Tomas Dam gravity irrigation scheme and N127 million for the renovation of the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development office on Danhausa Road. The council also approved N244 million for renovation works at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, and N105 million for the construction of intermediate staff housing at Government House, Kano.
In a significant move to resolve outstanding issues from previous administrations, the council allocated N1.9 billion to clear unpaid tuition fees for Kano-sponsored students at Near East University in Cyprus for the period between 2015 and 2019. This payment will facilitate the release of withheld certificates, which had been a source of concern for the affected students.
Governor’s Commitment to Development:
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, speaking after the council meeting, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to effective governance and the delivery of impactful projects aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents of Kano State.
These approvals, which cover a wide range of sectors, highlight the administration’s focus on sustainable growth and long-term development that prioritizes the needs of the people.
