Isiyaku Ahmed
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prudent debt management, fiscal discipline, and sustainable economic growth, beginning with a two-day 2026 Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) and Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS) workshop.
The workshop, organized by the Kano State Public Debt Management Office (DMO), began on Saturday at B. Nakowa Modern Guest Lodge in Dutse, Jigawa State, bringing together top government officials, lawmakers, development partners, financial experts, and key stakeholders to chart a sustainable borrowing framework for the state.
Experts and stakeholders included the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Chairman of the Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, members of the Kano State House of Assembly, permanent secretaries, resource persons, and representatives of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), Consultants, and civil society organizations.
Some of the broad objectives of the strategy workshop are to enhance participants’ understanding of the provisions of the Kano State Debt Management Law, 2021, and its implementation in promoting responsible borrowing, sound debt governance, and fiscal responsibility.
It also seeks to examine the state’s debt portfolio, including its trends, composition, and the key drivers of debt sustainability, with a view to assessing current and emerging fiscal risks.
And, to develop practical recommendations for strengthening debt management practices, improving fiscal discipline, enhancing internally generated revenue performance, and promoting sustainable economic growth and development in Kano State.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of DMO, Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, stressed the need for stronger fiscal discipline, enhanced internally generated revenue, and responsible borrowing to safeguard the state’s long-term economic future.
He described the workshop as a critical platform for strengthening Kano’s fiscal sustainability framework, noting that while public debt remains an important tool for financing infrastructure and development projects, its benefits can only be realized through sound fiscal policies, effective institutions, and sustainable revenue generation.
According to him, discussions during the workshop will focus on debt sustainability, fiscal risks, debt management strategies, public financial management reforms, transparency, accountability, revenue mobilization, and institutional coordination.
“The workshop will provide the technical foundation for developing a comprehensive and realistic Debt Sustainability Analysis and Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy capable of supporting Kano State’s development aspirations while safeguarding fiscal stability,” Dr. Ali said.
He commended the Kano Internal Revenue Service for improving the state’s internally generated revenue, describing a robust revenue base as indispensable to sustainable debt management.
“Sustainable debt management cannot be achieved without a strong and expanding revenue base,” he said.
The DG DMO expressed confidence that the expertise of resource persons and the experience of participants would produce practical recommendations to strengthen debt management, improve fiscal resilience, and promote sustainable economic growth.
He urged participants to actively contribute ideas and share experiences, stressing that the success of the workshop would depend on the quality of recommendations generated.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Ismaila Aliyu Danmaraya, represented by the Director Admin and General Services, Bashir Hamza Baba, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparent, accountable and sustainable borrowing practices.
He praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for making sound fiscal management a cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda, while commending the Debt Management Office, development partners, and civil society organizations for supporting efforts to strengthen the state’s fiscal sustainability framework.
Danmaraya explained that the Kano State Public Debt Management Law, 2021, mandates the annual conduct of a Debt Sustainability Analysis and periodic review of the Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy.
He described the exercise as more than a statutory requirement, saying it is a vital policy instrument that guides government borrowing, manages debt costs and risks, and ensures that loans are directed toward productive and development-oriented projects.
“The MTDS is not merely a compliance exercise. It is a critical policy instrument that guides how the state borrows, manages the cost and risks associated with its debt portfolio, and ensures that every borrowing supports productive and developmental projects,” he said.
The Commissioner added that the law also requires legislative approval before any borrowing and mandates the preparation of an annual borrowing and debt recovery plan to strengthen fiscal discipline.
Represented by Permanent Secretary, Human Resources and Manpower Development, Sabiu Shuaibu Muhammad, the Head of Service, Hajia Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, described the Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy as one of the government’s most important fiscal planning tools.
She said the strategy provides a structured framework for determining the most appropriate borrowing mix while balancing financing costs and associated risks.
According to her, Governor Yusuf’s administration remains committed to fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability, and prudent utilisation of public resources, adding that every borrowing decision must support sustainable development, economic productivity, and improved service delivery.
Hajia Maimota noted that the workshop would enable stakeholders to review the state’s debt portfolio, assess prevailing macroeconomic conditions, evaluate financing options, and develop a realistic debt management strategy aligned with Kano’s development priorities.
Also, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, and House member representing Doguwa Constituency, Hon. Salisu Ibrahim Doguwa, who represented the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to responsible debt management and fiscal accountability.
He described public borrowing as a strategic instrument for financing infrastructure and development when prudently managed.
“Debt is a critical development tool. What is important is its sustainability, how the funds are utilized, and how the debt is serviced. When these are properly managed, borrowing becomes a catalyst for economic growth and improved public service delivery,” he said.
Rt. Hon Falgore expressed optimism that the workshop would produce a comprehensive policy document capable of strengthening Kano State’s fiscal resilience and guiding responsible borrowing over the medium term.
He also assured stakeholders of the continued support of the Kano State House of Assembly in promoting sound fiscal governance, noting that the enactment of the Kano State Debt Management Law, 2021, has provided a solid legal framework for responsible borrowing, transparency, and accountability.
In his goodwill message, a representative of civil society organizations, Comrade Akibu Hamisu, commended the Debt Management Office for maintaining its commitment to the Public Financial Management Law, guidelines, and established procedures.
He noted that, as complementary stakeholders to government efforts, civil society organizations remain committed to supporting sensitization and public awareness initiatives. On debt management and sustainability, he reaffirmed their resolve to continue demanding transparency and accountability in all debts incurred by the state, in order to ensure improved service delivery to the people.
“We remain steadfast in demanding transparency and accountability in every debt incurred by the state to ensure better service delivery for the people,” he said.
The workshop is expected to produce actionable recommendations for improving debt management practices, enhancing internally generated revenue, strengthening public financial management, and ensuring that Kano State’s borrowing strategy remains sustainable and aligned with its long-term development objectives.
