Gov Namadi’s financial strategy : Why Jigawa needs facts not fear mongering
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
The recent uproar over an alleged ₦135 billion debt attributed to the administration of Governor Umar Namadi has sparked unnecessary tension within the Jigawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). While healthy political discourse is welcomed in any democracy, it becomes dangerous when claims are made without adequate understanding of public finance or the specific transactions being discussed. The allegations being circulated, particularly by Malam Zakari Sidi Kafin-Hausa, former SSA to Gov Namadi on Health Monitoring, represent a classic case of misinformation weaponised for political gain rather than a sincere concern for Jigawa’s financial future.
To begin with, the claim that the Namadi-led administration has “incurred over ₦134 billion in loans in 2025 alone” is not only misleading but structurally flawed. It fails to distinguish between actual bank borrowing and statutory revenue advances which are fundamentally different. Borrowing denotes an obligation the state must repay from its own resources. A revenue advance, however, is merely an early release of funds the state is already entitled to receive from the Federal Government. Conflating both terms is either a result of misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt to misinform unsuspecting citizens.
Governor Namadi’s Special Assistant, Malam Umar Suleiman Kafin-Hausa, provided a much-needed clarification: Jigawa State has not taken any loan from Zenith Bank or any financial institution with the intention of burdening the state with additional debt obligations. What the State House of Assembly approved was simply an administrative process to enable Jigawa to access its Gas Revenue Share through a recognised financial intermediary. This is not only legal but widely practised across the federation. States such as Kaduna, Ekiti, and Niger have adopted the same approach to expedite capital projects and ensure timely implementation of development programmes.
It is important to understand what Gas Revenue Share means. As part of the Federal Government’s economic diversification and gas monetisation efforts, states are entitled to specific revenue allocations derived from gas utilisation agreements. These funds usually take time to be processed and disbursed. To prevent project delays, states are allowed to receive these funds through commercial banks, not as loans, but as advances against their confirmed entitlements. The bank merely facilitates an earlier release of funds the Federal Government will repay in full. It is therefore irresponsible to present this arrangement as a debt when it is simply a mechanism to accelerate development.
Furthermore, critics have sensationally claimed that the approved arrangement “exceeds the amount projected to be borrowed in the 2025 budget by more than ₦5 billion.” This statement collapses under scrutiny. Budget projections often include borrowing ceilings for potential fiscal expansions, not guaranteed loans. The fact that the Gas Revenue advance appears within the borrowing framework does not automatically mean the state is increasing its debt stock. Rather, it is listed to ensure compliance with transparency and appropriation laws.
Governor Namadi has consistently demonstrated a commitment to financial discipline, transparency and prudent resource management. Since assuming office, his administration has prioritised infrastructural renewal, agricultural development, education, and healthcare funding—all within the confines of sustainable financing. Jigawa remains one of the most fiscally stable states in the country, with a reputation for responsible budgeting and minimal debt exposure. It is therefore counterintuitive and illogical to suggest that such an administration would suddenly plunge the state into unsustainable debt without proper justification.
The alarmist rhetoric being circulated on social media is a reflection of the internal political wrangling currently taking place within the Jigawa APC. While political actors are free to promote their interests, the citizens of Jigawa deserve factual, balanced and responsible commentary—not sensational claims designed to create panic. Constructive criticism is healthy, but misinformation can undermine public trust and destabilise governance.
Governor Namadi’s approach ensures that development is not stalled by bureaucratic delays at the federal level. Fast-tracking access to statutory revenue enables the state to continue executing its development roadmap—building roads, supporting farmers, improving education infrastructure, and enhancing social services. These outcomes matter far more to the ordinary Jigawa citizen than politically motivated debates over terminology.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the alleged ₦135 billion debt is a clear example of how political misinformation can distort public understanding. The facts remain that Governor Namadi has not acquired any new loans, has not violated any financial laws, and has merely adopted a legitimate mechanism to access funds already owed to Jigawa State. Instead of amplifying unfounded claims, the public should recognise the administration’s proactive financial strategy as a sign of responsible governance. Jigawa deserves progress driven by facts, not fear—and Governor Namadi is firmly on the path of delivering exactly that.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano