Kaduna gov urged to fulfil promise on KADSWEF funding

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has been urged to honor his commitment to steadily increase funding for the Kaduna State Women Empowerment Fund (KADSWEF) as pledged in his manifesto, pre-election.

Despite his pledge to promote women’s participation in micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) by increasing the basket of funds available in KADSWEF every year, the 2024 budget allocation for KADSWEF has shown a decrease of N827,500.00 compared to the 2023 allocation, a communiqué by the AdvoKC Foundation stated.

Communications Manager of the Foundation, Luqman Adamu, stated that in the manifesto of Governor Uba Sani, he outlined that, “to promote women’s participation in the MSME businesses, we will steadily increase the basket of funds available in the Kaduna State Women Empowerment Fund (KADSWEF) every year.”

However, the 2023 budget allocated N200,827,500.00 under the label “Women and Youths Empowerment Programme (KADSWEF),” while the 2024 budget allocated N200,000,000.00 under the same label. This represents a decrease of N827,500.00 from the 2023 allocation and reduced funding for KADSWEF, contrary to what the governor promised the people during the electioneering process.

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KADSWEF was established during the administration of Governor Nasir El-Rufai. It gained significant attention and support in 2019 when the governor announced plans to increase the fund to N1 billion by 2021.

The initiative was part of a broader effort to promote women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Kaduna State.

According to Adamu, since its inception, KADSWEF has disbursed significant funds to women, enabling them to start and expand their businesses, thereby contributing to the economic development of the state. The fund has been instrumental in empowering women, reducing poverty, and promoting gender equality.

“The reduction in the allocation for KADSWEF in the 2024 budget raises significant concerns, particularly considering the fact that certain budget items with relatively less socioeconomic impact saw substantial increases in their 2024 budgetary allocation.

“For instance, N800,711,206.50 was allocated for the construction of the Speaker/Deputy Speaker’s Residence in the 2023 budget, which increased to N1,334,518,677.50 in the 2024 budget,” he said.

Other items in the Kaduna State Legislature budget that experienced similar increments include the purchase of Motor Vehicles (N141,750,000.00 in 2023, upwardly rising to N2,500,000,000.00 in 2024); purchase of Office Furniture and Fittings (N180,000,000.00 in 2023, increasing to N250,000,000.00 in 2024); purchase of Assembly Library Books and Equipment (N2,355,000.00 in 2023, rising to N3,114,000.00 in 2024).

Others are renovation/Remodelling of the Lugard Hall Complex (N1,279,788,793.50 in 2023, increasing to N2,500,000,000.00 in 2024); purchase of Office Equipment (N11,278,780.50 in 2023, increasing to N15,038,374.00 in 2024); purchase of Law Books (N2,250,000.00 in 2023, rising to N10,000,000.00 in 2024); and purchase of Generator Sets (N23,670,000.00 in 2023, increasing to N50,000,000.00 in 2024).

Adamu noted that the disparity in allocations warrants closer attention and consideration, especially in light of the pressing need to address more impactful socio-economic priorities in the State.

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“Furthermore, the non-fulfilment of this promise has far-reaching effects on employment and economic empowerment in a state like Kaduna, where more than 43 per cent of adults live below the national poverty line.

“Reneging on this promise will translate to breaking the social contract the governor made with the citizens of the state during the campaign. Without adequate support, many women may struggle to sustain their businesses, leading to increased poverty levels.

“Failure to increase funding could also undermine efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in Kaduna State, many of whom are currently economically disadvantaged,” Adamu said.

The foundation urged Governor Sani to fulfil his election pledge by prioritising the increase in budgetary allocation for KADSWEF in the 2025 budget, especially as a much lower amount—N198,687,500.00—has been earmarked for KADSWEF in the 2025 Draft Estimate.

He said this is crucial in keeping his promise for the economic empowerment of women, poverty reduction, and the overall development of Kaduna State.