Hussaini Kafi in Kano
In a bid to alleviate the financial challenges faced by civil servants, the Kaduna State government, under the leadership of Governor Senator Uba Sani, has launched a new Revolving Loan Scheme with an initial seed fund of N500 million. The scheme, which comes with a low-interest rate of 5%, is designed to provide civil servants with easier access to funds, helping to reduce financial stress and enhance their overall welfare.
The announcement was made by the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor during a media parley organized by the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on December 26, 2024. The loan scheme is part of the broader efforts by the Uba Sani administration to support public servants, with a specific focus on addressing outstanding pension arrears and gratuities.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to workers, the Principal Private Secretary revealed that the administration has disbursed approximately N4.7 billion over the past 18 months to settle death benefits and gratuity payments. This move underscores the administration’s determination to prioritize civil servant welfare.
“The Uba Sani administration is deeply committed to accountability and transparency. These principles are non-negotiable,” the Principal Private Secretary stated, pointing to Kaduna’s top ranking in the 2024 Transparency and Public Integrity Index by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity Watch (CeFTPIW). Kaduna was ranked first among all states and the Federal Capital Territory, scoring 51.42 points. The state also ranked second in the ICAN Accountability and Transparency Index, further solidifying its reputation for good governance.
Governor Uba Sani’s reforms reflect his ongoing efforts to promote financial prudence and improve the living standards of civil servants in the state. Additionally, the Governor recently appointed Mrs. Florence Austin as the Interim Head of the scheme, further demonstrating his commitment to the effective implementation of the initiative.
The Revolving Loan Scheme is expected to significantly ease financial pressures on the state’s workforce, providing them with the means to meet their immediate financial needs while continuing to contribute to the state’s progress.
