From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Taraba state Government has stated that the alleged N1.2 trillion debt burden on the current administration was ill-conceived.
Against the backdrop, the state government has warned desperate politicians in the state to desist from citing the public against Governor Kefas’ administration forth with.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Sarah Adi stated this in a press briefing while clarifying the facts on the state’s debt and financing position.
According to her, the insinuation surrounding the allegation was laughable pointing out that the alleged debt burden of about of N1.2 trillion does not reflect the state’s debt stock reported in the latest publicly available records of the Debt Management Office (DMO).
She said while the state government has taken note of the recent public commentary concerning the debt and financial position of the state purported by the critics, the commissioner challenged them to distinguish between existing debt, approved facilities and outstanding balances before drawing into conclusion to deceive members of the public.
Citing DMO records, she noted that Taraba’s domestic debt stood at approximately ₦87.96 billion in the data preceding the current administration, while the latest available figures place the state’s domestic debt at ₦85.51 billion as of 31 December 2025. The earlier figure, she explained, was reported as at 30 September 2022, adding that official data does not support suggestions that Taraba’s recognised domestic debt has approached the ₦1.2 trillion mark.
On external debt, the Commissioner said the state’s obligation stood at US$46.47 million in December 2022, rising modestly to US$48.04 million by December 2025.
Also speaking on the ₦206.78 billion commercial bank facilities approved in 2023, Dr. Adi clarified that the approved facility value should not automatically be treated as the state’s current outstanding debt, given that repayments and restructuring have since taken place.
She also addressed the proposed ₦350 billion capital-market programme, stressing that Taraba has not received ₦350 billion under the initiative. According to her, the immediate transaction under consideration is an initial tranche of approximately ₦35 billion, subject to regulatory and statutory processes.
Regarding the US$268 million EBID financing agreements, Dr. Adi explained that the facilities are intended to fund an integrated industrial park, irrigated rice production and processing, and a 50-megawatt solar power project. She emphasised, however, that signing the agreements does not constitute receipt of the funds, as disbursement remains contingent on applicable conditions, regulatory processes and statutory approvals.
Dr. Adi said while the government welcomes scrutiny, the basic fact remains that the present administration is committed to responsible financing, disciplined debt management, transparency and the prudent use of public resources for the development of the state.
