Kaduna clears pension arrears

Kaduna State has significantly intensified infrastructure development and cleared substantial pension and gratuity arrears, attributing these achievements to increased allocations from the Federation Account under President Bola Tinubu's administration. The state has also dramatically increased its annual agricultural funding.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed that the state government inherited approximately N24 billion in outstanding pension and gratuity liabilities, alongside foreign and domestic debts, which had placed considerable pressure on its finances. However, the administration has since cleared about N18 billion of these inherited arrears. "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," Maiyaki stated.

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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.

Infrastructure development has seen a notable expansion, with 115 road projects currently underway across the state's 23 local government areas. More than half of these projects, covering over 1,400 kilometers of roads in both rural and urban areas, have been completed. Maiyaki highlighted that previously, 12 local government areas had not seen even half a kilometer of road projects, contrasting this with the current widespread development.

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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.

Agriculture, a key sector accounting for about 42% of Kaduna's Gross Domestic Product and providing approximately 60% of employment, has received a substantial boost. The state's agricultural budget has surged from N1.4 billion in 2023 to over N100 billion in 2026. This represents a significant increase in funding, from 0.4% to 11.6% of the budget over the last three years. The increased funding enables the government to provide essential inputs like fertilizer to smallholder farmers.

Maiyaki emphasized that the ongoing road projects are designed not only to improve transportation but also to connect farmers and rural communities to markets, facilitate access to healthcare, and strengthen security. He cited a 35-kilometer road project connecting about 76 communities as an example of its significant socio-economic impact.

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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.