Kaduna PDP Candidate Bawa Warns of Rising Debt Crisis

Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa, the governorship candidate for Kaduna State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed concerns regarding the state's escalating debt profile, which he stated has reached approximately ₦1 trillion. During a policy dialogue organized by the Partnership for Issue-Based Campaign (PICaN), Bawa warned that this debt burden poses a significant threat to sustainable development and the government's capacity to provide essential services.

He highlighted that Kaduna State's external debt amounts to $684.29 million, with an external debt-to-revenue ratio of 312.66 percent, surpassing the 150 percent limit he referenced. Bawa compared the debt profiles under previous PDP administrations (1999-2015) and the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations (2015 onward), noting a rise in external debt from $226.37 million to $684.29 million.

He emphasized the need for a more accountable approach to public borrowing and governance, pledging to prioritize policies that benefit residents if elected.