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Tag: Kaduna state government

  • Kaduna debunks stadium contract allegations, pledges transparent overhaul

    Kaduna debunks stadium contract allegations, pledges transparent overhaul

    Kaduna State Government has dismissed allegations of contract racketeering and administrative misconduct in the planned reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, describing the claims as mischievous and malicious.

    Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, in a statement on Sunday, said the falsehoods were aimed at discrediting Governor Uba Sani’s administration and undermining the ministry’s work.

    “Ordinarily, such baseless fabrications would be ignored, but when deliberate falsehood is peddled to undermine the integrity of the Ministry and mislead the public, a firm rebuttal becomes necessary,” Gugong said.

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    He explained that the federal government officially handed over the facility to the state earlier this year in a deplorable condition, prompting the Ministry to seek the governor’s approval for a total upgrade to meet FIFA, CAF and NFF standards.

    “In May 2025, His Excellency approved the commencement of the procurement process, an initiative entirely championed by the Ministry,” he said.

    Dismissing claims that the Ministry was sidelined in the contract award process, Gugong stressed that the project was initiated and driven by his ministry in strict compliance with Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA) laws.

    “The assertion that the Ministry was not consulted is an outright falsehood,” he added.

    He said the procurement process was transparent, lawful and guided by the interest of the people, accusing the authors of the allegations of twisting facts to create the impression of lack of due process.

    “Their narrative is nothing more than a desperate attempt to discredit the governor’s administration and the Ministry’s work,” he said.

    Gugong assured that the reconstruction would transform Kaduna into a premier sports destination, capable of hosting international events, creating jobs, boosting the local economy and inspiring athletes.

    He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability, saying, “We will not be distracted by falsehoods or petty mischief. Our focus is on delivering results.”

  • Kaduna BRT to be ready in 36 months —KADSTRA

    Kaduna BRT to be ready in 36 months —KADSTRA

    The Kaduna state government has said that its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will be completed within the next 36 months.

    Officials of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA) disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Kaduna Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    They said the government had concluded plans for the construction of a dedicated BRT lane from Kawo Bridge to the southern part of the metropolis.

    Speaking during the visit, the team, led by Mr. Musa Luka, explained that the median separators on the major highway in the city would be converted into BRT lanes to ease traffic congestion.

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    According to him, “When the project is completed, Kaduna metropolis, including its roads and streetlights, will be transformed. The entire city will be beautified, and movement at night will be safer,” Luka said.

    He noted that the BRT system is designed to accommodate Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), making public transportation more inclusive.

    “Kaduna metropolis meets all the criteria for a BRT system. People from various communities come into the city daily, and this project will ensure better movement. We will carry all stakeholders along in its implementation,” he added.

    He assured that identified bottlenecks would be addressed to ensure smooth implementation.

    Luka further disclosed that the dedicated BRT lanes would run from the Monday Market axis to Kawo and other frequently used roads within the Kaduna metropolis. He said the project had been thoroughly studied, and its implementation would commence soon.

    “The project has already started, and implementation will begin any moment from now. Everything has been planned, and it will take 36 months to complete,” he stated.

    It will be recalled that as part of efforts to advance plans for the BRT system, the Kaduna State government visited the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for guidance on procurement and operations.

    LAMATA, responsible for overseeing Lagos’ BRT network, hosted a delegation from the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), led by Acting Director-General, Engineer Inuwa Ibrahim.

    Luka however expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for his full support, which he said was instrumental in making the project a reality.

    Responding, the chairman of NUJ, Kaduna State Council, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, described the initiative as a welcome development.

    Alabelewe commended the government for involving the media early enough in the project planning, which he said would go a long way toward sensitizing members of the public.

    “We appreciate that you have come to engage the media at the right time. Too often, the media are contacted when things have gone wrong. This proactive approach is commendable, and we will ensure the public is well-informed about the project,” he said.

    He described Kaduna as “the melting pot of all Nigerian tribes and the central business hub of the North,” noting that the BRT project would ease evening traffic congestion and provide relief for commuters.

    “This project will add colour to Kaduna as a city and the capital of Northern Nigeria. We assure you of our commitment to ensuring its success,” the NUJ Chairman added.

  • Kaduna govt releases N548m to NUT, resolves long-standing dispute

    Kaduna govt releases N548m to NUT, resolves long-standing dispute

    The Kaduna State Government has released N548 million to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Endwell Fund, settling a protracted dispute between both parties.

    The conflict, which had persisted for several years, was resolved following the intervention of Governor Uba Sani, who ordered the immediate disbursement of the funds.

    Acting Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Malam Mubarak Mohammed, confirmed the resolution while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Thursday.

    “I am pleased to announce that Governor Uba Sani has successfully resolved the long-standing dispute between the Kaduna State Government and the NUT regarding the NUT Endwell Fund,” Mohammed said.

    The NUT Endwell Fund represents statutory deductions from teachers’ salaries, meant to support them during service and retirement.

    Mohammed explained that the dispute was resolved following a series of negotiations between the state government and the NUT.

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    “Under the agreement, all litigations related to the NUT Endwell Fund will be discontinued, and the sum of N548 million will be released to the NUT to manage the Endwell Fund independently,” he said.

    He added that the NUT Endwell Scheme would undergo a structural reform to ensure improved efficiency and accountability.

    He said, “Governor Uba Sani’s  commitment to education and teacher welfare has been evident since his assumption of office in May 2023.

    “He has demonstrated exceptional commitment to enhancing access to quality education, increasing enrollment and retention of pupils, and improving overall learning conditions in both primary and secondary schools.

    “Governor Uba Sani’s role in resolving this protracted issue is a testament to his exemplary leadership and commitment to fairness, justice, and the overall development of Kaduna State.” 

    According to SUBEB boss, the resolution of the dispute is expected to improve the relationship between the Kaduna State Government and the NUT, and to enhance the overall quality of education in the state.

    “This resolution paves the way for a renewed, cordial relationship between the Kaduna State Government, the NUT, and the teachers of Kaduna State,” Mohammed said.  

    The resolution of the dispute has been welcomed by the NUT, which has commended Governor Uba Sani for his intervention.

    The Chairman of the NUT in Kaduna State, Comrade Ibrahim Dalhatu  noted that the  released N548m would in no small way improved the the welfare of teachers in the state. 

    “We are grateful to Governor Uba Sani for his commitment to resolving this dispute.

    “The release of the N548 million to the NUT Endwell Fund is a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the welfare of teachers in Kaduna State,” he added. 

    The highlight of the event was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the NUT on the Endwell Fund, which had in attendance with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress including the state chairman of the NLC,  Comrade Ayuba Suleiman.

  • Kaduna approves N4.5bn intervention fund for 15,000 households

    Kaduna approves N4.5bn intervention fund for 15,000 households

    The Kaduna state government, in a clear demonstration of its commitment to women’s economic empowerment, has launched the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.

    The government has also approved a substantial N4.5bn as a special intervention for 15,000 households in the state.

    The state’s commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, disclosed this at a one-day citizens’ engagement workshop organised by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) to support the domestication of national policy in the state.

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    She also disclosed that the state is determined to invest in women and girls through various interventions in economic development, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

    While commending the Development Research and Projects Centre for supporting the state in domesticating the policy, she assured that Kaduna state would be a pacesetter in promoting, developing, and uplifting the standard of living of women in the state.

    According to her, “I want to assure you that so far, so good in the areas of social intervention, cash transfers, skills acquisition, education, and social development, adding that launching the policy will enable more investment and inclusion in the state.”