In compliance with the Kano State Debt Management Office Law, 2021, specifically section 4, the Kano State Debt Management Office (DMO) has established debt offices across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. This initiative aims to enhance the collation, recording, analysis, and reporting of LG debt data to the state DMO.

The establishment of these offices followed a three-day workshop held from January 10th to 13th, 2025, at B. Nakowa Modern Guest Lodge, Dutse, Jigawa State.

The workshop aimed to build the capacity of the appointed debt officers. Participants included the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Director of Training from the Ministry for Local Government, Director General of the Public Debt Management Office, directors from relevant MDAs, CSOs, and media.

In his welcome address, Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, the DG of the State DMO, emphasized the importance of debt as an integral part of government fiscal policy. “Debt is an integral part of government fiscal policy,” stated Dr. Hamisu. He cited Section 4 (c, g, and n) of the Kano State Debt Management Office Law, 2021, to justify the creation of the debt offices in the 44 LGAs. Dr. Hamisu also highlighted the successful servicing of N63 billion in loan obligations by the Kano State Government from January to June 2024. He further announced the creation of a Special Unit by the State DMO to coordinate the affairs of the debt offices across the LGAs.

The Director of Training from the Ministry for Local Government appreciated the initiative, stating, “I am happy that those who will serve as debt officers across the 44 LGAs were selected based on merit and competence.” The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, represented by his Permanent Secretary Malam Misbahu Ahmad Badawi, commended the DMO’s efforts and urged participants to organize stepdown training in their respective senatorial zones.

During the workshop, six papers were presented by scholars with extensive experience. Prof. Garba Ado from ABU Zaria discussed the theoretical and conceptual review of debt in developing countries. Prof. Aminu K. Kurfi from Bayero University, Kano, presented on Islamic Finance as an alternative to conventional finance. Dr. Nura Abubakar Gwadabe from Northwest University, Kano, discussed Waqf-based loan (Qard Al Hassan) financing preferences in Kano State. Other presentations included computer appreciation and Microsoft Excel Basics by Prof. Ibrahim Magaji Barde, enhancing debt management expertise by Prof. Isma’il Tijjani, and sustainable financing for infrastructural development by Prof. Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad.

At the end of the workshop, certificates and appointment letters were presented to the 44 LGA debt officers. The resourcefulness of the facilitators was commended, and the presence of all debt officers throughout the workshop demonstrated their commitment to the task.

The 44 LGA debt offices will collate, record, analyze, and report LG debt data to the state DMO. They will conduct annual Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) and quarterly reports on debt service obligations. The debt offices will also liaise with treasurers and accounting officers to conduct annual audits, ensuring compliance with the Kano State Debt Management Law, 2021.

At the workshop’s conclusion, a communique was issued detailing participants’ commendations, observations, and recommendations. The DG of the Debt Management Office emphasized the Kano State Government’s commitment to fiscal sustainability and prudent debt management. “Continued collaboration among stakeholders is essential to achieving these goals and securing a prosperous future for the people of Kano State,” concluded Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali.

Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati
Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity has commended the Director General of the National Productivity Centre Dr Baffa Babba Danagundi over the successful budget defence.

The Chairman said this shortly after the budget defence at his office when Danagundi visited him on a courtesy call on how to actualise the mandate of the NPC

“Your defence was excellent, I’m impressed with your vision of taking NPC to greater heights. We are ready to give you all the maximum support towards actualising the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “. He said.

Additionally, sources revealed to SaharaReporters that the attackers looted food supplies and livestock from the communities.
Militants affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram, launched a brutal attack on two communities in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno state.

The assault resulted in significant loss of life, with the militants also setting fire to a church and numerous homes.

Additionally, sources revealed to SaharaReporters that the attackers looted food supplies and livestock from the communities.

Chibok gained international attention in April 2014, after insurgents launched a daring raid on the Government Girls Secondary School, abducting more than 300 students in a notorious incident that shocked the world.

One of the residents said the insurgents came into Tsikarkur village around 2 pm on Sunday, shooting indiscriminately and burning houses.

According to sources, two siblings were among those who lost their lives during the attack on the village, which is few kilometres away from Chibok, headquarters of Chibok LGA.

Sources said the terrorists killed villagers and also stole food items from people’s homes.

Another community in Chibok LGA, Zillang was also invaded by gunmen on Monday night.

One of the sources said, “The attacks started around 2 pm on Sunday in a village called Tsikarkur where they killed an unknown number of villagers including two brothers.

“Last night, around 11:30 pm, in my house in Chibok, I started hearing heavy gunshots. The sounds were coming from another village close to Chibok called Zillang.

“The villagers noticed the gunmen on time and quickly informed Nigerian Army. Our gallant soldiers with the support of vigilantes quickly mobilised to the village and engaged the terrorists. The gun battle lasted from 11 pm to 4 am. I don’t know the number of casualties now but many houses and properties were destroyed.”

News of the attack came hours after the Borno State Government confirmed the killing of 40 farmers in a terrorist attack on Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.

Governor Babagana Zulum, while condemning the attack on Sunday by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, also disclosed that many, who escaped the attack were still being tracked to be reunited with their families.

A statement on Monday by the Borno State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar had read: “On Sunday 12 January 2025, armed militia suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked some farmers and fishermen at Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa LGA.

“Investigation has commenced on the circumstances behind this attack. Initial report indicates about 40 farmers have been killed while many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families