By Acha Madungu
With an estimated 60 ethnic groups and a population sharply divided along religious and political lines, Kaduna State, located in Nigeria’s North-Western region, is a microcosm of the country’s complex diversity. And so, the state has been a flashpoint for ethno-religious conflicts, banditry, and farmer-herder clashes. For decades, these divisions have fueled insecurity, mistrust, and underdevelopment, leaving Kaduna’s potential as a political and economic hub in Northern Nigeria largely unrealized.
However, since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Uba Sani has rewritten this narrative through a deliberate and robust policy of inclusivity, anchored on justice, equity, and fairness. In a recent interview on Arise Prime Time, Governor Uba Sani not only dismissed allegations of marginalization by some northern leaders against President Bola Tinubu, but emphatically stated that sub-national governments bear significant responsibility for fostering peace and development. His governance model, centered on inclusivity, has not only quelled perceived margilization, insurgency and ethno-religious crises but also positioned Kaduna as a beacon of harmony, unity, peace and progress.
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Curiously, Kaduna’s diversity is both its strength and its challenge. The state is home to Muslims, Christians, and the approximately 60 ethnic groups, each with distinct cultural identities. Historically, this diversity has been a source of tension, exacerbated by political manipulation and uneven development. Sadly, under the administration of Sani’s predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai (2015–2023), Kaduna witnessed considerable ethno-religious crises, banditry, and kidnappings. Southern Kaduna, in particular, became synonymous with farmer-herder clashes and communal violence, often fueled by perceptions of marginalization and neglect.
Expectedly, when Sani took office, he inherited a state burdened by a legacy of division and insecurity. Yet, his background as a civil rights activist and former senator equipped him with a unique perspective on governance. Sani understood that sustainable peace and development could not be achieved through force alone but required a governance model that embraced all communities, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
His policy of inclusivity, articulated through his SUSTAIN manifesto (Safety and Security, Upgrade of Infrastructure, Strengthening Institutions, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Investment in Human Capital, and Nurturing Citizens’ Engagement), became the cornerstone of his administration’s transformative agenda.
Central to Sani’s governance philosophy is the commitment to justice, equity, and fairness. During the interview referenced above, he emphasized that these principles are non-negotiable for effective leadership in a diverse state like Kaduna. “As a leader, the first thing we need to do is to ensure justice. It is about equity, it is about fairness,” he stated, underscoring his approach to governance that prioritizes inclusive development and this philosophy manifests in several key areas.
To all keen observers, Sani’s administration has prioritized spreading development across Kaduna’s three senatorial zones, ensuring that no region feels neglected. Unlike the previous administration, which faced criticism for uneven project allocation, Uba Sani has commissioned over 78 road projects spanning approximately 775 kilometers, including critical roads in Southern Kaduna, a region historically marginalized. The groundbreaking of four major roads in Southern Kaduna in December 2023, alongside the rehabilitation of vandalized transformers and the rebuilding of the Zango Urban market, demonstrates his commitment to rural transformation. These projects connect farms to markets, boost local economies, and create jobs, addressing the root causes of poverty and exclusion that often fuel conflict.
Sani’s active participation in religious and cultural events has sent a powerful message of unity. His attendance at the 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol, organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Maulud celebration in Zaria, hosted by the Fityanul Islam group, exemplify his commitment to bridging religious divides. These events, described as milestones in Kaduna’s journey toward harmony, have fostered collaboration between Muslim and Christian leaders, reinforcing the state’s social fabric. The CAN Chairman, Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, has praised Governor Sani, describing him as “an equitable Governor who identifies with his people despite differences in faith.” Such positive comment highlights the governor’s ability to unite diverse communities.
Kaduna’s security challenges, including banditry and farmer-herder clashes, have significantly declined under Sani’s watch. His non-kinetic approach, which emphasizes community engagement and collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, has been pivotal. Instructively, Sani flatly rejected the practice of paying bandits, instead focusing on rebuilding trust and resettling displaced communities. For instance, his administration has constructed houses for victims of banditry and worked with security agencies to restore peace. The “Kaduna Model,” a collaborative framework involving community stakeholders and security forces, has restored stability to areas once considered no-go zones, earning praise from the Northern CAN and other stakeholders.
Sani’s inclusivity extends to empowering marginalized groups, particularly women, youth, and rural communities. His financial inclusion initiative, backed by an executive order, has integrated 2.5 million vulnerable residents into the financial system, enabling access to banking, credit, and social intervention programs. The establishment of vocational training centers, such as the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba, has equipped young people with skills to compete globally. Additionally, the Kaduna Subsidised Transport Scheme (KSTS), with 100 CNG buses, has improved mobility and economic opportunities for rural residents.
Also, education and healthcare have featured as are critical components of Sani’s inclusive governance. His administration has reduced the number of out-of-school children by 300,000 since April 2024 by constructing 62 secondary schools and 2,340 primary school classrooms. Tuition fee reductions in state-run tertiary institutions and increased teacher recruitment further demonstrate his commitment to accessible education. In healthcare, the reconstruction and equipping of 12 secondary healthcare centers have improved service delivery, particularly in underserved areas. These initiatives address systemic inequalities and empower communities to thrive.
The impact of Sani’s inclusivity policy is evident in Kaduna’s transformation over the past two years. The state has not recorded a single ethno-religious crisis or farmer-herder clash since he assumed office, a stark contrast to the violence that characterized the previous administration. This achievement is attributed to his emphasis on unity and trust-building, as noted by President Bola Tinubu, who described Sani as “an agent of change, stability, love, unity, and progress.”
Economically, Kaduna has emerged as a hub for investment and innovation. The number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has grown from under 20,000 to over 180,000, driven by Sani’s focus on wealth creation and entrepreneurship. Major investments, such as the Lithium Processing Plant and the $50 million Soya Bean Oil Refining Plant, signal Kaduna’s rising profile as an economic powerhouse. The Kaduna light rail project and the Mega Economic City, supported by Qatar Charity, further underscore the governor’s vision for sustainable development.
Politically, Sani’s inclusive approach has bridged divides, attracting defections from opposition leaders, including former governor Muktar Ramalan Yero and senators Shehu Sani, Suleiman Hunkuyi, and Danjuma La’ah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). These defections reflect confidence in Uba Sani’s leadership and his ability to unify Kaduna’s political landscape. His open-door policy and refusal to engage in blame games have earned him widespread acclaim, with observers noting his emotional intelligence and decisive governance style.
Sani’s governance model offers a blueprint for other Nigerian states grappling with diversity and conflict. His emphasis on grassroots engagement, equitable development, and non-kinetic security measures aligns with global best practices for managing pluralistic societies. By sustaining this approach, Kaduna can consolidate its gains and emerge as a model for Nigeria’s broader quest for unity and progress.
As Kaduna continues to thrive under his leadership, Sani’s approach serves as a testament to the potential of purposeful leadership to unite and uplift even the most complex communities. His legacy, as noted by the Agwatyap of Zangon-Kataf, who honored him with the title ‘Chat Atyap,’ is one of hope, unity, and transformative change, setting a new standard for governance in Nigeria and beyond.
• Madungu, a system engineer and public affairs analyst, writes from Kaduna, Kaduna State
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