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.