Jigawa gov laments N2.9b monthly standing order on N4b allocation

THE Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar lamented that his administration inherited a standing order of N2.9 billion monthly out of an average of three to four billion naira the state is getting as federal allocation.

The governor made the disclosure while speaking at a stakeholder’s town hall meeting at the government House, yesterday, said the meeting was aimed at presenting the scorecard of the administration to the participants.

The participants in the meeting was members of the elder’s forum, Jigawa forum and civil society organizations who identified areas of problems and proper solutions.

Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar explained that “this administration is getting an average of three to four billion naira as monthly federal allocation with a standing order of two point nine billion naira monthly”.

He explained that presently the state is working on 1,086 kilometres road network projects which its monetary value stands at N120 billion, adding that “previous administration paid N43 billion a balance of N78 billion, while his administration has paid N34 billion out of the outstanding balance”.

According to him “no contractor is owing to the state a dime, as all certificate raised are paid”.

Commenting of reduction in standing orders, the governor said the reduction started from his office, adding “even this week I drive from Dutse to Abuja and back just to save N8 million for the state from flight expenses”.

Earlier in his remarks, the state deputy Governor Barrister Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia said the state is currently pursuing investments worth one billion dollar.

In his presentation, state commissioner for health Dr Abba Zakari said the state government has awarded the contract for the construction of Hadejia specialist hospital at the cost of N1.5 one billion.

He said N18 million was approved for the procurement of malaria drugs, while N150 million has been released to UNICEF for the treatment of malnutrition.

Also speaking a member of the Jigawa state elder’s forum, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kiyawa said that the Governor is on the right track and urged him not be distracted by accusations from certain individuals.

Kiyawa further advised the governor to organise similar meeting quarterly for the people of the state to intimate them on the achievements of the administration.