Mukhtar Ahmed Monrovia, commissioner for Planning and Budget, Kaduna State, has disclosed that the government has set aside N80.2 billion in the proposed 2026 budget for the repayment of both foreign and local debts inherited by the previous administrations.
The commissioner made the revelation on Friday, during a special town hall meeting for the public presentation of the 2026 proposed budget held in Kaduna.
Monrovia explained that the current administration of Governor Uba Sani has not borrowed a dime, rather, it has been prudent in resource mobilisations to meet up with its financial responsibility.
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He stressed that debt burdens inherited from previous administrations had posed significant financial constraints, making it necessary for the government to prioritise repayment to avert severe penalties.
“The major problem has been the issue of debt. It is only fair to announce clearly that yes, these debts were inherited. If we fail to service them as scheduled, the penalties will be catastrophic,” he said.
He emphasized that the state has already begun offsetting the liabilities, adding that the repayment schedule may stretch until 2062, especially for foreign components.
He added that despite the heavy debt burden, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has demonstrated financial discipline, insisting that the government has not borrowed a single kobo in the two years since assuming office.
“We are paying both the foreign debts and the local ones. And let it be known that in the two years he has been governor, not a single kobo has been borrowed,” he emphasised.
Monrovia also used the forum to highlight ongoing reforms in contract processing and public finance management, noting that the era when contractors depended on undue delays or political maneuvering to receive payments is over.
“Those days when you needed to chase files or lobby to get paid are gone. If you have a contract, once it is signed, I will sign your payment immediately. This is a new era of transparency,” he stated.
The commissioner said that the government’s approach reflects its resolve to strengthen fiscal responsibility, sustain transparency, and restore public trust in the state’s financial management system even while navigating long-term debt obligations.
Read also: Kaduna allocates N80.2bn in 2026 budget to clear inherited debts
The state is planning to spend N985.9 billion, representing a 24.73 percent increase from the 2025 budget.
The spending plan allocates N286.2 billion for recurrent costs and N699.7 billion for capital projects, to be funded through an opening balance of N150 billion, projected recurrent revenue of N584.3 billion, and other receipts totaling N251.6 billion.
Notably, government share of FAAC is expected to rise significantly to N472.1 billion.
