Gov Namadi under fire over N3.5bn investment in Kano, N500m extra lesson for foreign students 

By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has come under fire over plans by the state government to invest N3.5 billion in neighbouring Kano State.

Those opposed to the plan also questioned the decision to spend N500 million on extra lesson for medical students from the state studying abroad.

The Syndicate reports that the government had announced plan to construct 1,000 shops at farm centre area of Kano at the cost of over N3.5 billion to boost the state’s revenue base.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a civil society organisation, Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotions Initiative (ELIP-Initiative), said the plan was a misplacement of priority and waste of public resources.

In a open letter sent to the governor by the Jigawa State deputy chairman of the PDP, Comrade Umar Danjani Hadejia, the party called on the governor to reverse the decision.

The PDP said it makes no economic sense for the government to use the meagre resources of the state to develop another state, “leaving our people in object poverty”.

“There are so many ways to use the money and improve the lives and economy of the people and the state through agricultural mechanisation, livestock development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) etc,” the PDP argued.

Also, ELIP-Initiative in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Isah Mustapha, recommended that instead of deploying the over the ₦3 billion for the construction of Shops in Kano state, the state should invested in well-targeted, revenue-generating sectors that harness Jigawa’s comparative advantages”.

It also expressed deep concern “about the recent approval of over ₦500 million for “extra lessons” for foreign students. This move raises urgent questions about the quality of the schools”.

“At a time when the government is making efforts to address challenges facing many public schools such as lack of basic infrastructure and qualified teachers, such spending demands immediate scrutiny”.

It demanded for investigation, not only on the rationale behind the expenditure, but also the status of the foreign schools.

The ELIP-Initiative advised the government to adopt a deliberate, future-focused approach in the deployment of public resources.

The CSO also advised the government to build Agro-Processing and Industrial Clusters, adopt Mechanize Commercial Farming, Livestock Market Modernization, Transport Terminals and Parks in major towns and markets, embark on Property Tax Reform, and develop the tourism sector, ICT and Innovation Hub.

“We therefore urge the State Executive Council to pause and reflect before committing funds to projects that do not yield sustainable returns.

“Adopt a Strategic Investment Framework grounded in data, feasibility, and long-term revenue potential and engage stakeholders including local businesses, development partners, and civil society for transparent planning and effective implementation.

“The choices made today will define our state’s self-reliance, resilience, and prosperity for generations,” the organisation stated.