A $350 million World Bank loan for Kaduna State, was yesterday declined for approval,by the Senate,reasoning that the state government already has an existing backlog of $231 million debt with a low Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) status.The upper chamber added that if the new loan request was granted, Kaduna would be the most indebted state across the country.

Note worthy is the fact that none of the three senators from the state supported the loan request as they took turns in expressing their disapproval.Sani, who represents Kaduna central, championed the reasoning of the senate ,declaring that if the request was granted, the state’s debt stock would rise to $582.1 million.

Supporting the resolution, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi representing Kaduna North said the loan should not be approved because it would increase the financial burden of state and that the reasons for the request sent to the World Bank were not in tandem with the purpose for which the loan was sought.He further emphasised that the loan request for the Kaduna Development Policy Operation (DPO) was a misplacement of priorities.

Senator Danjuma La’ah representing Kaduna South also said the loan request lacks the mandate of his constituents.But deputy Senate Leader, Bala Na’Allah, averred that it was a lesson for democracy, particularly with governors who refuse to consult with their people and representatives before seeking such massive loan approval.

Presiding Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, in affirmation said, “a loan application for infrastructural development is not bad in itself but the failure to consult with representatives of the people before application was clearly undemocratic.”

It further cautioned the presidency and other relevant agencies and ministries not to circumvent the provisions of the extant debt management act.Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Shehu Sani, reading the report at plenary also affirmed that the state government has not even convincingly shown how the loan will be judiciously used and beneficial to the people of the state.

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