Uba Sani’s administration represents a confluence of capacity, competence and compassion, reckons TAOFEEQ MAHMOOD

 Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has demonstrated an exceptional blend of competence and compassion in steering the state toward transformative development. His administration has embarked on an ambitious journey to bridge the infrastructure and socio-economic gaps between rural and urban areas, ensuring that no community is left behind. This commitment is evident in his administration’s focus on rural transformation, urban renewal, and inclusive governance, underpinned by a people-centered approach that prioritizes the welfare of Kaduna’s diverse populace. The recent approval of N3.5 billion for compensation to homeowners and service providers affected by the second phase of 80 road projects across the state’s 23 local government areas exemplifies this balanced vision, showcasing a governance model that combines strategic competence with deep compassion for the ordinary man.

Governor Uba Sani’s administration has made rural development one of its focal points of its agenda, encapsulated in the ‘SUSTAIN’ manifesto, which emphasizes inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation. Recognizing that rural communities have historically been underserved, Governor Sani has shifted the focus from the urban-centric policies of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, to a more inclusive model that extends the dividends of development to rural areas. His administration’s rural transformation agenda aims to reduce poverty, enhance productivity, and curb rural-urban migration by improving access to critical infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities, and schools.

One of the flagship initiatives under this agenda is the construction and rehabilitation of over 780 kilometers of roads across Kaduna’s three senatorial districts, with a significant portion targeting rural communities. By prioritizing rural connectivity, his administration is fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for rural dwellers, who form the backbone of Kaduna’s agricultural sector.

 The recent approval of N3.5 billion for compensation to those affected by the second phase of 80 road projects across all 23 LGAs further highlights Sani’s compassionate approach. Making the announcement, Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), declared that the initiative will ensure that property owners and service providers impacted by the projects are fairly compensated, thus minimizing disputes and fostering community support for infrastructure development. This move not only demonstrates administrative efficiency but also a deep understanding of the human cost of development, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of vulnerable citizens.

According to Baba Ahmed, “These roads will impact every local government area. We’re not just constructing roads; we’re building links to opportunity, trade, and development. Governor Uba Sani is determined to ensure that no community is left behind.”

He described the latest approval as a “pivotal moment in Kaduna’s infrastructural journey.” What this means is that Governor Uba Sani is committed to timely execution and delivering full value for taxpayers’ money.

Among the key projects in view include the reconstruction of Rigasa Township Roads in Igabi Local Government Area, Kwoi Township Roads in Jaba Local Government Area, and the road linking the Kachia-Zonkwa Road to the new Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia Local Government Area.

Interestingly, also approved are the completion of the long-abandoned dual carriage road from PEN-Drive through Television Garage to Sabon Tasha in Chikun Local Government Area; the Bassawa Junction–Hunkiyi Junction road connecting Sabon Gari to Kudan Local Government Areas; and the Kayarda Tasha–Maskawa–Dan Alhaji Road in Lere Local Government Area.

 While rural transformation is a priority, Uba Sani has not neglected the urban centers that his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, significantly transformed through the Kaduna Urban Renewal Programme. Governor Sani has made it clear time and again that he is committed to sustaining and expanding these gains, ensuring that urban areas like Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan continue to thrive as hubs of economic activity. His administration has completed legacy projects, such as the Kabala – Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road, which was only 30% complete when he took office. By mobilizing funds and settling inherited debts, the governor ensured the timely completion of this critical urban infrastructure, demonstrating his resolve to build on past successes.

In urban centers, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has initiated projects like the reconstruction of Romi-Karatudu township roads in Chikun Local Government. These projects aim to improve mobility, enhance security, and stimulate commercial activities in densely populated urban poor communities. Additionally, the commissioning of the Zaria Metropolitan Authority Complex in 2023 reflects Sani’s vision of modernizing urban governance to support infrastructure maintenance, waste management, and business regulation, modeled after the Abuja framework. These efforts ensure that urban areas remain vibrant while addressing the needs of underserved populations.

Governor Uba Sani’s governance model extends beyond infrastructure to encompass education, healthcare, agriculture, and security, all of which are critical to transforming both rural and urban areas. In education, his administration has tackled the issue of out-of-school children by building and renovating schools, such as the Government Girls Secondary School in Kawo, where a 400-bed hostel, classrooms, and a sickbay were commissioned in 2023. Sani also reduced tuition fees in state-run tertiary institutions to mitigate the impact of rising living costs, ensuring access to education for the underprivileged.

In agriculture, Kaduna’s favorable climate and fertile lands have been leveraged to promote agribusiness as a tool for poverty reduction. The distribution of 240,000 bags of fertilizer to 120,000 smallholder farmers and the procurement of 12 heavy-duty tractors by the state mark significant investments in mechanized farming, a sector neglected since 2010. These initiatives empower rural farmers, enhance food security, and create job opportunities for the youth, aligning with Governor Uba Sani’s vision of economic self-reliance.

Security, a longstanding challenge in Kaduna, has also received unprecedented attention. Governor Uba Sani’s administration has forged partnerships with federal security forces, providing 150 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles to enhance their operations. The reopening of the Birnin Gwari and Kidandan markets, previously closed due to insecurity, signals a return to stability and economic activity in these areas. Governor Sani’s inclusive governance has also eliminated ethno-religious and farmer-herder conflicts, fostering peace across Kaduna’s diverse communities.

But what sets the governor apart by far is his deep compassion for the common man, and this is rooted in his history as a civil rights activist and philanthropist. Through the Uba Sani Foundation, established in 2018, he has promoted access to healthcare, education, and vocational training for the underprivileged. This humanitarian spirit is reflected in policies like the Executive Order on Financial Inclusion, signed in 2023, which aims to integrate 2.1 million poor and vulnerable citizens into financial services, enabling them to benefit from state and federal social intervention programs.

Governor Sani’s commitment to inclusivity is further evidenced by his engagement with labour unions and community leaders. His background as a workers’ rights advocate has fostered a collaborative relationship with the state’s labour unions, who view his administration as “their government.” This trust has been instrumental in implementing policies that resonate with the people, from infrastructure projects to social programs.

The recently approved N3.5 billion compensation package for those affected by road projects is a testament to Governor Uba Sani’s empathy. By prioritizing fair compensation, he ensures that development does not displace or marginalize citizens, a concern often overlooked in large-scale infrastructure projects.

 Uba Sani’s administration represents a confluence of capacity, competence and compassion. His ability to balance rural transformation with urban renewal has positioned Kaduna as a model for inclusive development in Nigeria. By completing abandoned projects, initiating new ones, and addressing the needs of both rural and urban communities, Uba Sani has demonstrated strategic foresight and administrative acumen. His focus on education, agriculture, and security complements his infrastructure drive, creating a holistic framework for sustainable growth.

President Bola Tinubu’s commendation during a 2025 visit to Kaduna, where he inaugurated projects like the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital and 100 CNG buses, was not misplaced, it actually underscores the national recognition of Governor Uba Sani’s achievements. The President’s pledge to support Kaduna with a light rail project reflects huge confidence in Uba Sani’s leadership, which has placed the state on a path of peace, progress, and prosperity.

As Kaduna continues to rise under Governor Sani’s stewardship, his administration’s legacy will be defined by its ability to uplift the underserved while sustaining urban growth. With over 790 kilometers of roads under construction, transformative agricultural and educational reforms, and a compassionate approach to governance, Governor Uba Sani is not only changing the status of rural Kaduna but also redefining what it means to lead with both competence and a good heart. His vision ensures that Kaduna remains a beacon of development, where no community is left behind, and every citizen has a stake in the state’s progress.

 Mahmood, a public affairs analyst and good governance advocate, writes from Kaduna, Kaduna State

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