Governor Uba Sani has stated that his administration inherited significant challenges in security, infrastructure, and social development from the government of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, while outlining the strides made since assuming office.
The governor made the remarks during a high-level workshop for senior government officials organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as part of activities marking the Nigeria Public Relations Week in Kaduna. The workshop, themed “From Policy To Public Trust: Strategic Communication For Vision Alignment And Governance Delivery For Renewed Hope,” brought together commissioners, special advisers, counsellors, and permanent secretaries.
Addressing participants, Governor Sani acknowledged the scale of challenges his administration faced at inception but expressed optimism about the state’s trajectory. According to him, Kaduna has made noticeable progress and is on a path toward greater development and stability.
“Kaduna is not where it was,” he said. “Kaduna is by far a better place today, and even more exciting is the fact that Kaduna is on the move and set to do even greater things and attain higher heights.”
The governor explained that his administration has adopted a governance framework anchored on measurable outcomes and accountability. He disclosed that a performance system based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) has been institutionalised across ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure clarity of purpose and effective service delivery.
“We institutionalised a performance framework built around Key Performance Indicators, ensuring that every ministry, department, and agency operates with clarity of purpose and accountability of outcome,” he said.
Sani further revealed that his administration’s development agenda is structured around seven strategic pillars: security, infrastructure, institutional strengthening, investment, agriculture, human capital development, and citizen engagement. He emphasized that these pillars are interconnected and designed to function as a unified system aimed at transforming Kaduna State into a secure, inclusive, and economically vibrant society.
“These pillars are not isolated priorities but interconnected levers designed to function as a coherent system, each reinforcing the other and contributing to a broader objective of transformation,” the governor stated.
On security, which he identified as a top priority, Sani said his government has worked closely with federal authorities to establish new military bases in critical areas, including Giwa, Birnin Gwari, and parts of southern Kaduna. He noted that these interventions were aimed at addressing persistent security threats and restoring peace to affected communities.
In addition, the governor disclosed that his administration has enhanced the operational capacity of security agencies through the provision of logistics support. According to him, more than 150 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles have been deployed to improve mobility and rapid response.
“In our urban centres, we constituted a Joint Task Force that has significantly reduced incidents of street crime and banditry generally,” he added.
Sani also highlighted efforts to support agricultural recovery and the resettlement of displaced persons. He stated that over 20,000 hectares of previously inaccessible farmland have been reclaimed, enabling farmers to return to their livelihoods and boosting food production in the state.
The governor further revealed that more than 1,000 displaced persons have been resettled, while targeted support continues to be provided to over 117,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). He described these efforts as part of a broader strategy known as the “Kaduna Peace Model,” which focuses on restoring security, rebuilding communities, and fostering economic recovery.
Beyond security, Sani said his administration has made progress in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and investment. He cited a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children, noting that the figure has dropped from approximately 550,000 to 187,720 within two years.
The governor also pointed to increased investor confidence in the state, revealing that Kaduna has attracted investments worth over $743 million, with an additional pipeline estimated at $2.77 billion. He attributed this growth to ongoing reforms and efforts to create a conducive environment for business and economic activities.
According to Sani, these achievements reflect the administration’s commitment to translating policies into tangible outcomes that directly benefit residents. He stressed that governance should be measured not by intentions but by the impact it has on people’s lives.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that policies are not just well-crafted but effectively implemented to deliver measurable impact,” he said.
The governor’s remarks come amid ongoing national discussions about governance performance, security challenges, and development priorities at the state level. His comments on inherited challenges also highlight the complexities of leadership transitions and the expectations placed on successive administrations to build on or address the legacies of their predecessors.
Participants at the workshop were encouraged to adopt strategic communication approaches that align government policies with public expectations, thereby strengthening trust and improving service delivery. The event underscored the role of effective communication in governance, particularly in ensuring that citizens are informed and engaged in the development process.
As Kaduna State continues to navigate its development journey, stakeholders are expected to monitor how the administration sustains its current momentum and addresses remaining challenges. For Governor Uba Sani, the emphasis appears to be on consolidating gains, deepening reforms, and ensuring that progress translates into lasting improvements in the quality of life for the people of the state.
