By Jacob Ajakaiye, in Kano
The Kano sub-national government in Nigeria on Thursday said it was expending over N150 billion (about $0.5 billion) in the construction of critical infrastructure directed to aiding economic development in the state.
Aminu Wudil, the state’s commissioner for works and transport, listed some of the critical projects which the state is developing to include the on-going electricity project on Tiga/Challawa Dam that is planned to power to industrial activities in the state.
Wudil, representing the governor of the state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at the maiden conference of State-Owned Investment Companies of Northern Nigeria organised by Kano State Investment and Properties Limited, said the administration is also developing fly-over, under-ground pass ways, and hospitals aimed at making the state conducive for economic activities.
Commenting on why his administration encouraged KSIP to host the conference , he said it was because theconference, was in line with the policy thrust of the state government that emphasizes the harnessing of the economic potentials of state by supporting and strengthening relevant government agencies, such as KSIP.
He expressed delight that the management of KSIP had within the span of four years turned around the fortunes of the company to the admiration of all through the various achievements it recorded.
“The company was able to record the heights it achieved due to the sustained efforts of the state government which created conducive environment and economic growth and development in the state,” he said.
He added that the state government had built a strong economic base through the provision of incentives to investors and also empowering entrepreneurs who form the bulk of the lower level of the economic strata, stressing that the government has also placed more attention on the development of critical sectors such as roads, bridges, hospitals and power.
In the same vein, governor Ganduje has commissioned the Gada Biyu electrification project, executed by his administration at the cost of over N500 million.
The project aims to ensure stable power supply to Gada Biyu and surrounding communities in Doguwa local government area of the state.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Ganduje explained that the government decided to execute the project so as to improve economic activities in Doguwa local government area.
“This project will enable you to engage in several economic activities linked with power besides providing electricity for your domestic use,” he stated, adding, “I want to appeal to you to make good use of this project and to protect the electrical installations from vandalism.”
He also stated that the state government has, among other things, constructed two bridges, a water treatment plant and a new local government secretariat at the neighboring Tudun Wada local government.
