161st KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO. During the presentation of 2014 Budget of consolidation to the Speaker Kano State house of Assembly, His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State declared that the budget is intended to complete all ongoing projects already started while at the same time attending to the critically important new projects. The speaker along with other Honorable members worked assiduously to produce one of the most balanced budgets the state ever had, concurring with the Executive in allocating 75% in Favour of capital Expenditure while recurrent expenditure carried 25%. Despite the direct employment of 3000 fresh graduates into the state civil service this year this ratio continued to be maintained. To ensure compliance with the tenets of the budget in terms of timely completion of projects, His Excellency upon return from a meeting in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday August 5, proceeded to inspect various infrastructural projects going on within the city to physically ascertain for himself the progress of each project to ensure it is completed within the time frame. These projects include among others the Wuju-Wuju Way, Northwest University Permanent site, Flyover bridges at Ibrahim Taiwo, State and Murtala Mohammed roads with a combined costs to Government of over 23 billion Naira. The two bridges at State and Ibrahim Taiwo roads have reached 97% completion stage while others range between 50-70%. Having satisfied himself that things are on course, Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE presided over the one hundred and sixty first (161st) sitting of the Kano State Executive Council today Wednesday 6th August, 2014 (11th Shawwal, 1435 AH). Twelve (12) MDAs submitted forty three (43) memoranda for deliberation of which twenty seven (26) were approved for execution with an expenditure of Six Hundred Million, Four Hundred and Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira, Twenty Kobo (N600,407,740.20) covering nineteen (19) projects while the remaining seven (7) were on policy issues. Thus; 1. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Presentation on the Current Status of the Established Garment Centers in each of the 44 LGCAs of Kano State:- The presentation was submitted to Council for consideration. Essentially, constructions and provision of required structures for the Garment Centers were completed in all the 44 LGCAs of the State. Council was further notified that, a stakeholders meeting was convened during which comprehensive review was made on the steps taken and progress made for the successful take – off of the Garment Industry across the State. Consequent upon this, a Committee was set – up to deliberate and present appropriate recommendations for adoption on four issues which include the following; i. Estimate of required initial working capital for each Center for the overall estimated/budgetary requirements for the 44 Centers. ii. To provide scheme of service for the Garment Industry to enable Government facilitate recruitment, establishment of remuneration package and placement of personnel in the various Departments of the Industry. iii. To select five (5) persons with technical knowledge in Garment/Tailoring Services from each LGCA as pioneers to train others in each Center. iv. To identify the type of products viable to meet the typical demand for profitability and sustenance of these Industries. Further, the Stakeholders meeting recommended to Council to formulate a policy that will back – up and sustain the programme by; i. Mandating all private/voluntary schools in Kano State to patronize/purchase the products of these Garment Industries. ii. Government to purchase the products under the policy of providing uniforms for new intakes to our primary Schools. Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation. 2. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT Three (3) of the seven (7) memoranda submitted from this Office on behalf of the Chairman and some MDAs for deliberation by Council were approved for execution as follows; a) Presentation of a Proposal from Ahmadu Bello Foundation to Conduct a Four (4) Weeks Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition Programme for One Hundred (100) Women and Youth in Kano State:- In line with the present administration policy towards the empowerment of its citizenry especially Women and Youths, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted the above request. Specifically, Council was notified of the following; i. The programme was intended to provide the necessary avenue for peaceful and harmonious co – existence among diverse groups concurrently encouraging the determination for self – reliance, wealth creation and general economic well – being especially among the women and youth. ii. The Ahmadu Bello Foundation will fully support the training financially including payment to the Training Consultants for the required training materials and daily transport fare. iii. The Ahmadu Bello Foundation requested the pleasure of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to nominate the one hundred (100) participants (Youth, Men and Women) to be drawn from registered Women and Youth Organizations, Youth Groups and Cooperatives, etc. Further details presented prompted Council to approve as follows; i. The 4 – Week training programme to be conducted at the Kano Entrepreneurship Development Institute Outreach Center (temporary site) 2nd floor Murtala Muhammad Library, Kano commencing from 28th August, 2014. ii. Gracing the occasion and declaration of its opening by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. iii. Nomination of the one hundred (100) participants to be coordinated in liaison with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Directorate of Youth Development, Director NGOs and Leaders of participating groups. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Participation of Kano State Contingent at the 7th Edition of Annual National Sports Festival “Benue 2014” at Makurdi, Benue State (10th – 20th September, 2014):- The request was endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration on behalf of the State Ministry of Education. Essentially, the request was prompted by a communication received from the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) through the Kano State Ministry of Education inviting the State to participate at the event. Details on the genesis and requirements were presented to Council for consideration along with the financial implications to the tune of N5,445,800.00 which was requested for release for the stated purpose. Council considered and approved as requested. c) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Outstanding Allowances to Two (2) Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored for Postgraduate Studies in Ukraine:- This request was originally submitted from the Kano State Scholarship Board but was endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration. The two (2) students are among the sixty (60) sponsored for studies in Ukraine under the 501 Postgraduate Studies Programme. Fifty eight (58) of them were relocated to other Countries in response to instructions received from the host Country while these two (2) opted to remain at the International Humanitarian University in Ukraine for their studies in Law. The Kano State Scholarship Board requested Council to consider and approve the following in respect of the two (2) students; i. The release of N300,000.00 to pay for two (2) one way tickets to Ukraine in respect of the two (2) Students. ii. The release of $14,000.00 for the payment of feeding allowance and Research Work/Laptop Computers to the two (2) Students. Council acknowledged the request which is in line with the empowerment policy of the present administration and approved both items (i. and ii.). 3. MINISTRY OF HEALTH Presentation of Information Memorandum (IM) on the State of Preparedness and Preventive Measures Against the Ebola Virus Disease in Kano State:- The Ministry of Health notified Council, through contents of this memorandum, of the current menace of the prevalence of the Ebola Virus Disease. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the six (6) measures initiated in preparation for the unexpected outbreak of the disease in the State. The measures include the following; i. The Multi – Sectoral State Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Committee, headed by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health, was mobilized to coordinate response to any emergency on the Ebola Virus Disease. The Committee started work since April, 2014. ii. An Isolation facility was identified along Kano -Maiduguri road. iii. Acquisition and distribution of appropriate quarantine equipment. iv. Training and sensitization of relevant Health Care providers from ten (10) high risk facilities on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was conducted. These included early identification and infection control. v. Some Personal Protective Equipment (PPES) for the protection of health workers within the health system were sourced. vi. The Ministry of Health collaborates with the Port Health Services available at Aminu Kano International Airport to screen passengers particularly those arriving from high risk destinations though with some shortcomings to do with lack of thermal scanner at the Airport which identifies passengers with high body temperatures efficiently and with minimal risk. In this vein, Council was presented with nine (9) notations on the State of Preparedness and Prevalence Measures instituted against the Ebola Virus Disease in Kano. Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and Governor Engr. Rabi’u Nusa Kwankwaso, FNSE delivered a press briefing to the State and the Nation at large on the issue. 4. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT a) Request for Funds to Enable Construction of Students’ Hostel Block Phase I at the Permanent Site of the Northwest University, Kano:- The Northwest University, Kano was established courtesy of the second (2nd) incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Provision of infrastructure at the permanent site of the University is in progress. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the request for consideration by Council. Details were presented along with the request for the release of the sum of N231,687,073.01 to enable the construction of a befitting students’ hostel block at the permanent site of the Northwest University, Kano. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. b) Request for Funds to Enable Procurement and Installation of Brand New 350 KVA Perkins Model Electricity Generating Set at the Cabinet Office, Kano:- The existing 350 KVA Perkins model electricity generating set at the Cabinet Office defies continuous attempts at repairs. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the request as the most viable option to solve the problem. A reputable Contractor was identified for the project at the sum of N11,475,000.00 which was requested for release by Council. Council granted approval for the release of the requested sum of N11,475,000.00 to enable execution of the stated project on Contractual Basis to be Supervised by the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. c) Request for Funds to Enable Completion of Nine (9) Blocks of Fifty (50) 2 – Bedroom Flats (Houses) at Enugu/Court Road, Sabon Gari, Kano:- The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport reminded Council, through contents of this memorandum, of its approval granted for the release of the sum of N99,606,797.23 to the Kano State Housing Corporation for the cited purpose. Works are near completion but necessary adjustments were encountered estimated to cost the sum of N6,837,780.00 which was requested for release to bring the total cost for the project to the new Contractual sum of N106,444,577.83. Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N6,837,780.00 from the revenue/funds available at the State Housing Corporation for the stated purpose. d) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Street Lighting Along Mandawari – Aisami – Aminu Kano Way (2.20KM) Using New Fabricated Poles:- Cognizant of the resolve by the present administration to provide qualitative infrastructure for use by the citizenry in the State, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the request for consideration. In this respect the Taskforce Committee on the Installation/Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights assessed the scope of works required and estimated its financial requirements to the tune of N56,336,117.30. Accordingly,, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N56,336,117.30 for the undertaking. e) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Brand New 150KVA Electricity Generating Set at the House Allocated to the Late Emir’s Family:- Council was reminded, through contents of this memorandum that, a house at Gandun Albasa GRA was renovate for the Late Emir’s Family. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the request for consideration by Council. Details were presented along with the request for the release of the sum of N7,250,000.00 for the stated purpose. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. f) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Street Lighting Along Alu Avenue and New Race Course Road (2.60KM) Using New Fabricated Poles:- The cited location was identified for the project as suitable in cognizance of the resolve by the present administration to provide qualitative infrastructure to deserving Communities. The scope of works required was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N34,526,708.50 which was requested for release by Council for the stated purpose. Council approved the release of the sum of N34,526,708.50 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable Taskforce Committee on the Installation / Repairs / Reactivation of Street and Traffic Lights to execute the stated project. g) Presentation of Progress Report on the Installation of Meters at Seventy Eight (78) Power Sub – Stations within Kano Metropolis:- In compliance with the directive issued to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to install meters at all Street Lights Power Sub – Stations supplied with diesel (AGO), the cited progress report was presented to Council for consideration. Specifically, seventy eight (78) Street Lights Power Sub – Stations were installed with recording meters as directed. Details were presented and henceforth the diesel supplied to each Power Sub – Station will be recorded efficiently for transparency. Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation. h) Request for Funds for the Construction of Kofar Dan’ Agundi Kano City Gate:- The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted the cited request for consideration by Council. Details on the scope of works required were assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N17,090,787.52. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. i) Presentation on and Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Outstanding Balance to Contractors that Executed the Construction of Six (6) Houses, Boundary Fence and Renovation of MD’s Official Residence at KNUPDA Quarters, Gumel/WRAFF Road:- The Kano State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport was instructed to evaluate the submission on the issue. The Ministry inspected the site (Quarters) and conducted an Independent assessment and certified that a balance payment to the tune of N8,060,411.05 outstanding balance. Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N8,060,411.05 to enable payment for the balance to various Contractors that executed the cited projects. Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N8,060,411.05 for the commitments. 5. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES a) Request for Funds to Enable Outstanding Payment for Fifty Six (56) Metric Tonnes of Grains Supplied to the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources:- The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources complied with the directive issued to the Ministry on the cited issue. The project was confirmed as approved and executed in the year 2010 but the Contractor was owed the sum of N3,920,000.0 as payment for fifty six (56) metric tonnes of grains at N70,000.00 per metric tonne. Council was requested to approve for the release of the sum of N3,920,000.00 to enable the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to pay the Contractor that executed the project. Council considered and approved accordingly. b) Request for Approval to Allocate and Sell Recovered Assorted Fertilizer:- The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources notified Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the Ministry is in possession of 2,559KG bags of assorted chemical fertilizer in good condition and 304 damaged 50KG bags which were all handed over by the Kano State Fertilizer Distribution Committee. Details were summarized and presented for consideration. Further, the Ministry submitted the following for consideration. i. Council to consider, approve and direct the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to allocate and sell the 2,599KG bags of assorted chemical fertilizer to the farmers at N1,900.00 per bag. ii. Council to consider and approve releasing the sum of N1,620,000.00 to Hayam International Company Ltd. iii. Council to consider and approve the release of N352,000.00 to SSA (Food Security). Details presented. iv. Council to consider, approve and direct the Ministry of Finance to release the payments of items (ii. and iii.) to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for onward payment to the beneficiaries. Council noted and appraised the four (4) prayers forwarded and approved execution of prayers i. – iii accordingly,. 6. MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT a) Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Electricity at Kano State Sports Institute, Karfi:- The Kano State Sports Institute, Karfi is among the twenty two (24) viable Skills Acquisition/Training Institutes established courtesy of the capable second (2nd) incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The Ministry of Rural and Community Development identified the site for the project so as to enable full take – off of the Institute. Details on the scope of works required were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N9,464,543.00 for the purpose. Accordingly, Council considered and approved as requested. b) Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Electricity at the Permanent Site of the Kano State Informatics Institute Kura:- Provision of electricity was identified as amongst the cardinal pending requirements at the permanent site of the Kano State Informatics Institute. Details of the requirements estimated to cost the sum of N8,738,487.00 was requested for approval by the Council. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. c) Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds for the Relocation/Replacement of Electric Poles and Other PHCN Facilities Affected by the Construction of Rimin Kebe, Gayawa and Jaba Road:- The road construction projects undertaken by the present administration is highly commended and appreciated by the Communities in the stated location of Ungogo LGA. However, some electric poles and other facilities of PHCN were affected in the execution of the road construction project. Requirements for the relocation/replacement of the affected electric poles and PHCN facilities were assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N11,426,515.00. Council approved for the release of the sum of N11,426,515.00 to enable the Kano State Rural Electrification Board execute the project on direct labour. 7. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds to Enable General Renovation of the Hydrology/Hydrogeology Building at Challawa Water Works:- The Ministry of Water Resources presented the request, through contents of this memorandum, for consideration by Council. Details on the requirements was assessed to cost the sum of N27,251,161.85. Council acknowledged the presentation and approval was granted for the release of the sum of N27,251,161.85 to enable execution of the project on Contractual Arrangement to be supervised by the State Ministry of Water Resources. 8. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING a) Request for Funds to Enable Construction of the Link Road from Hausa/Ibo Road to Airport Road:- The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning submitted the request for consideration by Council. The Link Road from Hausa/Ibo Road to Airport Road is of 372M length but a vital link between the two (2) roads which helps in reducing the hardships experienced by road users. Construction of the link road will ensure smooth flow and accommodation of more vehicular traffic. The scope of works required was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N109,716,396.86 which was requested for release to enable execution of the project on Contractual Arrangement. Significance of the project was considered as Council approved the release of the trimmed sum of N90,516,026.70 for its execution. b) Request for Funds for the Construction of the Link Road From Bank Road to Niger Street:- The Link Road between Bank Road and Niger Street was identified as very vital to the hub of commercial areas of the Kano Central Business District serving not only in reducing traffic congestion in the axis of road network, but also an easy access to Abubakar Rimi and Singer Markets. The scope of works required was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N63,001,609.27. The details presented were considered as appropriate by Council and approval was granted for the release of the sum of N63,001,609.27 to enable execution of the project on Contractual Arrangement to be supervised by the State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. c) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Two (2) Structures/Properties Affected by the Construction of the Link Road at Sharada Near Dan’ Agundi Sub – Station:- Execution of the above project is in line with the commendable policy of the present administration. In order to actualize the execution of the project. A valuation exercise was conducted by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning which assessed the compensation value for the properties to the tune of N1,727,720.00. The details presented were considered as appropriate and approved by Council. d) Presentation of Report from the Committee Established to Address Some Pressing Issues Occurring in Various Motor Stations and Parks Across Kano State:- Contents of this memorandum applauded the efforts of the present administration to sanitize the transportation sector by the establishment of various organs with a view to checkmating the unwholesome activities related to drug abuse vices and other immoral acts that occur in the various motor parks and stations across the State. Council was notified of the establishment of a Committee to streamline the activities at the motor parks and stations across the State. The Committee convened a meeting with stakeholders comprising the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning; the MD KNUPDA; KAROTA; the Honourable Chairmen of Nine (9) Metropolitan LGCA; Chairman NARTO and that of NURTW. Possible measures were articulated towards curtailing the lingering problems with a view to provide security and sanity in the motor parks. In this respect the following recommendations were forwarded to Council for consideration. i. Council to direct KNUPDA to urgently collaborate with REMASAB and effect removal of all illegal structures, motor scraps and refuse heaps from the motor parks and stations. ii. Council to solicit cooperation of NDLEA and other related organizations to step – in and act to stop illicit drug trafficking and abuse as well as related vices in our motor parks and stations. iii. Council to direct all the nine (9) metropolitan LGCAs (D/Kudu Inclusive) to partner with relevant stakeholders on the issue. iv. Council to empower the Committee to ensure strict compliance with the objectives of the State Government on Security Matters. Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation. e) Request for Change of Contractor for the Projects of Upgrading/Dualization of Yolawa Road; Niger Street; Lagos Street; Post Office and the Five (5) KM Road at Tsanyawa LGCA:- The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning amply substantiated, through contents of this memorandum, the genesis for the request. Initially, Costain West Africa Plc. was awarded the Contracts for the road construction projects but wrote to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning as the supervising Government Ministry, requesting for approval to Subcontract the projects to Messrs. TIAMIN MULTI SERVICES GLOBAL LIMITED. Details were presented for consideration. The Ministry recommended to Council to approve the following in respect of the five (5) Roads Construction Projects. i. Full transfer of the five (5) Contracts to TIAMIN MULTI – SERVICES GLOBAL LTD. ii. Directing the Kano State Ministry of Finance to henceforth release all payments in respect of each of the five (5) road construction projects to Messrs. TIAMIN MULTI – SERVICES GLOBAL LTD. upon presentation of valuation certificate(s) as certified by the Kano State Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the execution of the two (2) items (i. and ii.) above. 9. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE a) Presentation of Notification for the Restructuring of the Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA):- The Executive Council Extract Number CAD/EXCO/4/I/2558 dated 4th August, 2014 mandated the Kano State Head of Civil Service to study the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport on the restructuring of KARMA and submit observations and recommendations. The Office of the Head of Civil Service submitted the following recommendations to Council for consideration. i. Council to consider and approve the creation of the Office of the Deputy Managing Director to supervise all the Departments at the instance of the Managing Director. ii. Council to consider and approve the creation of Department of Drainage and the deployment of Director and other field staff from the Drainage Committee who are Civil Servants by the Office of the Head of Civil Service. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved items i and ii as requested. UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 161ST EXCO SITTING 1. CONDOLENCE MESSAGE The Kano State Executive Council acknowledged the irreplaceable loss of Sheikh Isyaka Rabi’u’s senior wife and that of prominent Kano Businessman Alhaji Garba A. D Inuwa (Talban Kano). Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE was ably represented by the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at their funeral prayers. Council extends its profound condolence and commiserates with the members of the two (2) bereaved families. Prayers were offered for their souls to rest in perfect peace and may Allah (S. W. A] grant them eternal residence in Jannatul Firdausi, Amin. 2. PASSING – OUT PARADE OF THE FIFTY SIX (56th) BATCH OF CADETS FROM THE NIGERIAN MILITARY SCHOOL, ZARIA Council noted the passing out parade of the fifty six (56th) Batch of cadets from the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. During the occasion, Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE was commended by the School management on his leadership, qualities, concern and representation. The Governor was presented with a beautiful Souvenir of the School. USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:23:27 +0000
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