‘Kaduna now better than I met it’ – Uba Sani
Governor Uba Sani Highlights Kaduna’s Progress Amidst Challenges
KADUNA — Governor Uba Sani outlined significant strides made in Kaduna State during a workshop for senior government officials held by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as part of Nigeria Public Relations Week. The event, themed “From Policy to Public Trust: Strategic Communication for Vision Alignment and Governance Delivery for Renewed Hope,” featured commissioners, special advisers, and other high-ranking officials.
In his address, Governor Sani emphasized the state’s potential, despite facing longstanding security issues, infrastructure deficits, and concerning social indicators. “Kaduna is not where it was,” he stated, noting the improvements made since he took office in 2023. His administration aims for substantial advancements, highlighting a focused reorientation of governance.
Sani described a performance framework designed around Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and clarity among government ministries and agencies. He presented a strategic agenda based on seven pillars: safety and security, infrastructure development, institutional strengthening, trade and investment, agriculture, human capital development, and citizen engagement.
He underscored the interconnectedness of these pillars, asserting that security is fundamental to progress. The governor announced initiatives in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and military leadership, including the establishment of new military bases in high-risk areas and enhancements in mobility for security agencies.
The governor reported the reclamation of over 20,000 hectares of farmland and assistance to thousands of internally displaced persons, emphasizing targeted support for vulnerable groups. He highlighted the launch of the first forensic laboratory in Northern Nigeria and the creation of the Kaduna Incident Report Centre, which provides 24-hour emergency response capabilities.
On education, Sani noted major investments aimed at improving access and quality, including the addition of 736 new classrooms and recruitment of 10,000 teachers. He highlighted a reduction in out-of-school children from approximately 550,000 to 187,720 within two years as a significant achievement.
In the healthcare sector, Sani detailed upgrades to 255 primary healthcare centers and the establishment of 23 Centres of Excellence. The construction of a new 300-bed specialist hospital is expected to provide advanced medical services within the state.
Infrastructure development remains a priority, with approximately 150 road projects underway, covering over 1,300 kilometers across all 23 local government areas. Sani also announced an increase in the agricultural budget from ₦1.48 billion in 2023 to over ₦74 billion, with support for smallholder farmers.
Sani reported attracting significant investments, citing 23 projects valued at over $743 million. Additionally, his administration has generated a pipeline of investments exceeding $2.77 billion, aiming to foster private sector growth.
Efforts to enhance social protection included opening over 2.5 million bank accounts for underbanked citizens and deploying over ₦18 billion in targeted support to households and businesses. The governor highlighted a free natural gas mass transit scheme that has benefited more than 1.4 million passengers.
Looking ahead, Sani announced “Project 255,” pledging ₦100 million in public investment for each ward to ensure that development reaches all communities in Kaduna State.
