Kaduna State is strengthening the culture of consensus-building, transparency, and measurable outcomes, contends MUHAMMED BALARABE
For years, Kaduna State occupied an uncomfortable position in Nigeria’s national discourse. Despite its immense economic potential, strategic location, rich agricultural endowments, and historical significance as a political and commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, the state was frequently associated with insecurity, ethnic tensions, social divisions, and governance challenges. Investors were cautious, communities were fractured, and public confidence in government institutions had waned. Today, however, Kaduna is telling a different story.
The latest validation comes from the 2025 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI), which ranked Kaduna State third among Nigeria’s 36 states and awarded it an Excellent Four-Star Rating. More importantly, the ranking places Kaduna among the country’s highest-performing sub-national governments, a remarkable achievement that underscores the transformation taking place under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani.
While rankings and awards do not tell the whole story of governance, they often provide credible indicators of direction and performance. In Kaduna’s case, the Phillips Consulting assessment is particularly significant because it combines objective development indicators with citizen perceptions and feedback. The result is a comprehensive evaluation of how government policies are translating into real outcomes for the people.
For Governor Sani, the ranking represents more than statistical success. It is an affirmation that his administration’s deliberate focus on inclusion, accountability, peace-building, and economic development is yielding tangible results.
Perhaps the most important achievement of the Uba Sani administration has been the restoration of trust between government and citizens.
When he assumed office in May 2023, Governor Sani inherited a state grappling with multiple challenges. Security concerns had disrupted economic activities in several communities. Many rural areas felt disconnected from government. Social tensions had created divisions among various groups, while public expectations for change remained high.
Rather than adopt a confrontational approach, Governor Sani chose dialogue, consultation, and inclusiveness as the cornerstone of his administration.
His outreach to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, youth organizations, civil society actors, and political stakeholders helped create a new atmosphere of cooperation and shared responsibility. This approach gradually reduced tensions and strengthened confidence in government institutions.
The results have become increasingly evident across various sectors.
No meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of insecurity. Governor Sani understood this reality from the outset.
His administration prioritized collaboration with security agencies while simultaneously addressing some of the socio-economic factors that contribute to instability. Through community engagement, improved intelligence gathering, and strategic interventions in vulnerable areas, Kaduna has recorded significant improvements in security.
Communities that were once plagued by fear have begun witnessing the return of economic activities. Farmers are increasingly returning to their farmlands, traders are regaining confidence, and businesses are expanding operations.
While security challenges remain a national concern, Kaduna’s experience demonstrates that effective leadership, community participation, and proactive governance can make a substantial difference.
One of the strongest indicators of Kaduna’s progress lies in its growing reputation for transparency and accountability.
Earlier in the year, Kaduna emerged as Nigeria’s top-performing state on the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index published by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity. The state also achieved the country’s highest score on the Control of Corruption Indicator.
These achievements are not accidental.
Governor Sani’s administration has consistently emphasized prudent management of public resources, strengthened institutional oversight mechanisms, and enhanced transparency in government operations. Such measures have helped improve investor confidence and reassured development partners that public funds are being utilized responsibly.
In an era where citizens increasingly demand accountability from public officials, Kaduna’s performance offers a compelling model for other states.
Economic development remains at the heart of Uba Sani’s governance philosophy.
Recognizing that economic growth must benefit ordinary citizens, the administration has focused on policies that promote inclusion and opportunity creation. Small businesses, farmers, women, and young people have become key beneficiaries of government interventions.
Agriculture, in particular, has emerged as a major growth driver.
Kaduna’s selection as a pilot state for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum State-Led Rice Transformation Initiative reflects the growing recognition of the state’s agricultural potential. Under Governor Sani’s leadership, investments in agriculture have increased significantly, with budgetary allocations rising dramatically above previous levels.
The administration’s support for farmers, agricultural value chains, processing facilities, and agro-industrial development is helping transform agriculture from subsistence activity into a viable economic enterprise.
This strategy is not only improving food security but also creating jobs, attracting investment, and stimulating rural development.
A defining feature of the Uba Sani administration is its emphasis on human development.
Education and healthcare have received sustained attention, reflecting the understanding that long-term prosperity depends on the quality of human capital.
Across the state, investments in schools, healthcare facilities, social welfare programmes, and youth empowerment initiatives are helping improve access to essential services. These interventions are particularly important in a state with a large youthful population and growing development needs.
The administration’s commitment to social inclusion has also ensured that vulnerable groups are not left behind. Women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities are increasingly benefiting from targeted programmes designed to improve livelihoods and expand opportunities.
Infrastructure development remains another critical pillar of Kaduna’s transformation.
Road construction, rural connectivity projects, urban renewal initiatives, and public infrastructure investments are helping unlock economic potential across the state. Improved infrastructure not only enhances quality of life but also lowers the cost of doing business and facilitates investment.
The administration’s focus on strategic infrastructure reflects a broader understanding that economic competitiveness depends heavily on the availability of reliable physical assets.
Beyond individual projects and programmes, Governor Uba Sani appears to be cultivating something even more significant: a new governance culture.
This culture is anchored on consensus-building, responsiveness, transparency, and measurable outcomes. It prioritizes listening over confrontation, collaboration over division, and service delivery over political grandstanding.
The recognition from Phillips Consulting therefore reflects more than administrative competence. It highlights a broader shift in governance philosophy that is gradually reshaping Kaduna’s identity.
Despite the impressive progress, Governor Sani would likely be the first to acknowledge that much work remains.
Challenges relating to unemployment, poverty, infrastructure deficits, healthcare access, and economic diversification still require sustained attention. Development is a continuous process, not a destination.
However, the significance of Kaduna’s recent achievements lies in the direction of travel.
A state once frequently portrayed through the prism of conflict and instability is increasingly being recognized for performance, transparency, reform, and inclusive development. Independent assessments are validating what many residents are already experiencing: a government that is working deliberately to improve lives and strengthen institutions.
The Phillips Consulting ranking, therefore, is not merely an accolade. It is evidence of a state in transition.
Under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, Kaduna is steadily shedding the burdens of its troubled past and embracing a future defined by peace, accountability, economic opportunity, and shared prosperity.
Balarabe writes from Kaduna State
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