The Kaduna State House of Assembly has set up a fact-finding committee to probe all finances, loans and contract projects awarded under the former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai administration.

Recall that Governor Uba Sani, during a town hall meeting on Saturday, lamented the huge debt inherited from his predecessor, El-Rufai, on May 29, 2023.

Sani had said the state was left with a few amounts, not enough to pay salary, adding that his administration inherited a total of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the ex-governor.

“Despite the huge debt burden of 587 million dollars, 85 billion naira, and N115 billion in contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly,” the governor had said.

However, on Tuesday, the state’s Assembly set up a fact-finding committee during plenary, among others, to also investigate the former governor’s top associate and Senior Counsellor on Investment, Jimi Lawal.

Besides, the panel would probe financial dealings, loans and grants and other project implementation from 2015-2023.


The State Assembly also mandated the committee to invite notable personalities including the former speakers of the 8th and 9th Assembly, commissioners of finance, former Managing Directors of Kaduna Markets, and Commissioners of Budget and Planning, among others.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has taken decisive action in response to reports of suspected illegal mining activities around the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

This was contained in a statement signed by Segun Tomori, the SA Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

Following a meeting with OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, and the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, Alake announced the indefinite suspension of mining activities within the university premises and its environs pending the conclusion of thorough investigations.

The Minister revealed that upon receiving reports of illegal mining activities, officials from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and Mines Inspectorate were deployed for on-the-spot assessment.

Subsequent investigations uncovered some operators engaging in illegal activities, prompting the suspension of all mining operations within the affected areas.

During the meeting, university authorities expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate on addressing the issue. Prof. Bamire emphasized the university’s potential to contribute significantly to exploration, research, and development within the mining sector.

He also mentioned the university’s application for an exploration license, expressing optimism about its approval and the opportunities it would create for research and training in mineral resources.

The decision to suspend mining activities underscores the government’s commitment to upholding regulations and ensuring the integrity of mining operations.

With the support of relevant stakeholders, including the university, the government aims to conduct thorough investigations and implement necessary measures to address the situation effectively.

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has commenced the disbursement of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to verified applicants.

This followed a rigorous selection process to identify eligible applicants, signaling a major push to fortify the economic landscape for manufacturers and businesses across Nigeria.

In a progress report posted on official X handle of Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Aniete, said an unspecified number of beneficiaries have received their grants, adding that by Friday, April 19, another significant disbursement will be made to a substantial number of verified applicants.

“We are pleased to inform you that the disbursement process for the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme has officially commenced. Some beneficiaries have already received their grants, marking the beginning of our phased disbursement strategy.

“By Friday, April 19, 2024, a significant disbursement will be made to a substantial number of verified applicants. It is essential to understand that disbursements are ongoing, and not all applicants will receive their grants on this initial date. However, rest assured that all verified applicants will eventually receive their grants in subsequent phases”, she wrote.

Recall that the disbursement is coming barely two months after the agreement for the loan was sealed between the federal government and the Bank of Industry (BOI).

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, had in February signed three agreements with the BOI that would unlock over N200 billion funding for businesses in Nigeria.

The first agreement enables both parties to establish the FGN Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Intervention Fund in the sum of N75 billion, while the second agreement is for the the N50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS).

The scheme which is also known as the Nano Business Grant Support Section of the Presidential Palliative Program of the federal government would allow the sum of N50 billion to be deposited as Grant and with BOI from time to time.

Under the first agreement which is the N75 billion MSMEs fund, the amount would be used to finance approved projects to support micro, small and medium-scale enterprises and serve as a cushion against the high cost of production, marketing and distribution of products arising mainly from infrastructure deficiencies and other ancillary factors involving MSMEs in Nigeria.

The operation and management of the Fund would be the responsibility of BOI in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Under the second agreement which is the N50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), the amount would help to cushion the negative impact of the removal of fuel subsidy by the FGN, and the resulting increase in the pump prices of petroleum products in Nigeria on businesses.

The third agreement would enable both parties to set up the N75 billion FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund, to be deposited by FMITI with BOI from time to time for the purpose of financing projects and activities falling within the parameters of the Fund.