The Kano State Government has established debt offices across its 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to enhance fiscal management and ensure compliance with the Kano State Debt Management Office Law, 2021.
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This move is aimed at improving the collation, recording, analysis, and reporting of local government debt data to the State Debt Management Office (DMO).
The initiative followed a three-day workshop held from January 10 to 13, 2025, at B. Nakowa Modern Guest Lodge in Dutse, Jigawa State. The workshop focused on building the capacity of appointed debt officers and was attended by key stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, represented by his Permanent Secretary, directors from relevant ministries, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media.
In his welcome address, Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, Director General of the Kano State DMO, highlighted the critical role of debt in government fiscal policy. “Debt is an integral part of government fiscal policy,” he stated, citing Section 4 of the Debt Management Office Law, 2021, to justify the establishment of the offices. Dr. Hamisu also disclosed that the state government successfully serviced loan obligations totaling N63 billion between January and June 2024. To support the new offices, he announced the creation of a Special Unit within the State DMO to coordinate their activities.
The Director of Training from the Ministry for Local Government commended the initiative, noting that the selected debt officers were chosen based on merit and competence.
Representing the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Permanent Secretary Malam Misbahu Ahmad Badawi urged participants to organize stepdown training in their senatorial zones to broaden the impact of the program.
Participants at the workshop benefited from six expert-led presentations on debt management and sustainable financing.
Among the speakers were Prof. Garba Ado from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who discussed the conceptual framework of debt in developing countries, and Prof. Aminu K. Kurfi from Bayero University, Kano, who presented Islamic finance as an alternative to conventional finance. Other presentations covered topics such as Waqf-based loans, computer literacy, and sustainable financing for infrastructural development.
Certificates and appointment letters were presented to the 44 LGA debt officers at the workshop’s conclusion. The officers will be tasked with conducting annual Debt Sustainability Analyses (DSA), preparing quarterly debt service obligation reports, and liaising with treasurers and accounting officers to ensure compliance with the Debt Management Office Law.
Dr. Hamisu emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in achieving fiscal sustainability. “Continued collaboration among stakeholders is essential to achieving these goals and securing a prosperous future for the people of Kano State,” he concluded.
A communique issued at the workshop’s end captured participants’ commendations, observations, and recommendations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to prudent debt management and fiscal sustainability.
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