The Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Kaduna ordered local government areas to provide N115 million to procure extra security personnel in the state ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit on Thursday, Peoples Gazette has learnt. 

This is contained in a letter signed by Iliyasu Hussain, the director inspectorate. The letter, dated January 19, is titled ‘Approval to Provide Security Towards the President’s Visit’.

“I am directed to convey approval for the following local governments to incur expenditures to cater for additional security support to security agencies and logistics, preparatory to the visit of the president and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Kaduna state for commissioning of projects,” the letter said. 

The letter listed 11 local government areas mandated to remit between N10 million and N15 million. 

The taxing of the local governments came on the heels of Mr Buhari’s visit to Kaduna to inaugurate several projects, including the re-modelled Murtala Muhammed Square, the Infectious Disease Hospital, Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd and the Sabon Gari market in Zaria.

The list also included 19 road projects in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan, the most prominent being the Kawo flyover with three grand rotaries and access roads.

Multiple reports from the commission noted some tension at the launch between security personnel.

Punch reports that the State Security Service operatives blocked access to Kawo bridge immediately after Mr Buhari mounted it, affecting other vehicles, including those of Governor Nasir El-Rufai, dignitaries, and other state officials.