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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

FAAC boost: Kaduna clears N18bn arrears, farm budget hits N100bn

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Kaduna State reports increased federal allocations have enabled significant infrastructure development and debt clearance.
  • The state has cleared N18 billion in pension and gratuity arrears and is boosting agricultural funding.
  • Over 115 road projects are underway, connecting rural communities and improving market access for farmers.

Kaduna State is experiencing a surge in infrastructure development and financial relief, attributed to increased allocations from the Federation Account under President Bola Tinubu's administration. The state government has successfully cleared N18 billion in outstanding pension and gratuity arrears, a significant portion of the N24 billion inherited liability.

When the governor assumed office, we inherited a backlog of debts, both foreign and domestic, which would have made it very difficult for the state to even pay salaries.

— Ahmed MaiyakiThe Commissioner for Information and Culture described the financial challenges inherited by the current administration.

Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, highlighted the administration's focus on channeling additional resources into key sectors like education, healthcare, transportation, security, and youth employment. He noted that infrastructure development has seen a substantial expansion, with 115 road projects currently in progress across the state's 23 local government areas, many of which are nearing completion.

Before now, 12 local government areas in Kaduna State had not seen even half a kilometre of road projects. But today, with the infrastructural development taking place in Kaduna State, 115 road projects are ongoing across the state.

— Ahmed MaiyakiMaiyaki highlighted the contrast in infrastructure development before and after the current administration took office.

Maiyaki emphasized the transformative impact of these projects, particularly a 35-kilometer road connecting 76 communities. This road aims to enhance transportation, provide farmers with better access to markets, and improve overall socio-economic conditions in rural areas. The government also plans to significantly boost agricultural funding, increasing the budget from N1.4 billion in 2023 to over N100 billion by 2026, representing a rise from 0.4% to 11.6% of the state's budget. This increased investment will support smallholder farmers with inputs, irrigation, and mechanization.

We have a 35-kilometre road that has connected about 76 communities, particularly farming communities. This is one significant project that has helped provide farmers with access to markets and their farms.

— Ahmed MaiyakiMaiyaki cited a specific road project and its impact on rural communities and agriculture.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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