The Kaduna State Government has reacted to a viral report alleging that the state borrowed ₦36 billion over the last six months.
The government made the clarification via a statement signed by the Commissioner of Planning and Budget, Mukhtar Ahmed, who labeled the report as inaccurate and misleading.
The commissioner emphasized that no new loans have been taken under Governor Sani’s administration.
Ahmed blamed loan issues on the past administration, noting that all the loans including World Bank programs such as AGILE, SURWASH, and ACReSAL were received by the past administration in the state.
The government stated that the current naira exchange rate to the dollar, which is over ₦1,600 has affected the repayment of these loans as its value has increased.
This means that Governor Sani’s administration is repaying nearly three times the amount of loans acquired by the previous administration, all thanks to the significant devaluation of the Naira.
“The inherited debt burden from the previous administration consisted of long-term loans. These loan commitments, including World Bank programs such as AGILE, SURWASH, and ACReSAL, were all agreed upon during the previous administration,” the statement noted.
“Previous administration’s loan agreements, based on exchange rates of ₦415-₦480 to the dollar, have now seen the Naira plunge to over ₦1,600 to the dollar, effectively tripling the value of these debts in local currency,” he noted.
The Commissioner frowned bitterly at the online platform for not seeking clarification prior to the publication of the report.
However, he echoed the government’s commitment to transparency in debt management and financial discipline, adding that the state government will not spare those responsible for mismanaging the state’s resources.
“Notwithstanding the erroneous reporting, the government is resolute in its dedication to transparency in debt management and financial discipline, prioritizing the enhancement of the state’s economy without imposing additional financial burdens.
“The state government reaffirmed its resolve to hold accountable those responsible for mismanaging the state’s resources, vowing to reposition Kaduna for the benefit of its citizens,” the Commissioner added.