Residents and stakeholders in Kaduna State are raising alarms over the alleged uneven disbursement of a $350 million World Bank loan secured by former governor Nasir el-Rufai’s administration for urban renewal projects.
Twelve local government areas – including Birnin-Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru, and Zangon-Kataf – are reportedly yet to benefit from the loan, despite ongoing repayments. Investigations reveal that many projects in these areas were either never started or abandoned after ceremonial flag-offs.
Community members and civil society groups accuse the previous government of focusing spending on Kaduna-North LGA, leaving poorer regions with incomplete roads and decaying infrastructure. Calls for a legislative audit and public accountability are growing.
Locals lament deteriorating roads, disrupted businesses, and growing discontent. “We’re repaying a loan for projects we never saw”, one youth leader said. The current administration under Governor Uba Sani has yet to respond to inquiries.
Several World Bank-funded infrastructure projects in Nigeria have faced scrutiny over mismanagement, delays, and limited impact, mirroring concerns raised about the $350 million loan in Kaduna State
