Governor Uba Sani’s Governance-First Approach Ushers in New Era for Kaduna State
In a revealing interview, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, laid bare his philosophy of prioritizing governance over politics, detailing how this inclusive approach has stabilized and transformed one of Nigeria’s most complex and volatile states. Just two years into his administration, Governor Sani’s leadership has become synonymous with unity, development, and security, affirming that purposeful leadership and a people-first agenda are the surest paths to progress.
When he assumed office in May 2023, Kaduna was grappling with an array of challenges—ranging from rampant insecurity to divisive politics and lingering socio-economic stagnation. However, Sani refused to toe the line of previous administrations that catered solely to political loyalists. Instead, he adopted an inclusive style of governance that is bridging ethnic, religious, and political divides.
“Inclusivity is not easy,” he acknowledged, “but it’s the only path to lasting peace and meaningful development.” Governor Sani made it clear that governance must transcend party lines, insisting that service to the people is a constitutional and moral obligation, not a political favor. His policies have ensured equitable distribution of development projects and social programs across all 23 local government areas of the state—regardless of how those communities voted.
The Governor’s approach has had remarkable impact. Insecurity has drastically declined through a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. Infrastructure projects, including interconnecting rural and urban roads, have been revived and completed. He is expanding access to healthcare and education, and he is championing social inclusion through programs that target the most marginalized. Kaduna is also on track to become the second state in Nigeria to launch a full-scale Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and is actively working to complete key railway projects.
In a poignant reflection, Sani did not shy away from calling out years of failed leadership in the region. “All of us who have held political power in the last 20 years must look at ourselves in the mirror and apologize to the people of Northern Nigeria,” he said, underscoring how widespread poverty, exclusion, and poor governance have fueled unrest in the North.
While some former leaders, such as Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, took exception to this critique, Sani clarified that his remarks were not personal indictments but a call for collective accountability. “This isn’t about individuals. It’s about the systemic failure to deliver meaningful change,” he explained.
Today, Kaduna is benefiting from unprecedented synergy between state and federal representatives. Governor Sani praised House Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas for helping to secure national funding for several legacy projects in Zaria and beyond. Through collaboration and accountability, the administration has revived long-abandoned infrastructure initiatives, restoring hope to communities that once felt neglected.
In essence, Governor Uba Sani has proven that when politics takes a backseat and governance takes center stage, progress is not only possible—it becomes inevitable. His firm stance on unity, his refusal to marginalize any segment of Kaduna’s diverse population, and his willingness to confront hard truths have set the tone for a brighter future.
