Reflecting on the stewardship of the dynamic governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, gives hope to the state and her people that were poorly treated by the past government. Under his watch, Kaduna state stands on the brink of an economic and social renaissance. From industrial breakthroughs to grassroots development, his administration has made strong strides in building a more inclusive, economically vibrant, and secure Kaduna.
Ascending office in May 2023 with a commitment to open up the state, foster unity among ethnic and religious groups, and harness vast opportunities , Governor Sani has taken bold steps to recalibrate the state’s priorities, pivoting towards industrialization, youth empowerment, education, and equitable infrastructure distribution. The establishment of Nigeria’s first lithium processing plant, which appears to be his boldest move, positions Kaduna as a key player in Africa’s fast-growing clean energy economy.
In a country eager to diversify its economy beyond oil, Governor Uba Sani’s decision to build Nigeria’s first lithium processing plant in Kangimi village, along the Kaduna-Jos corridor, is nothing short of visionary. Lithium is the critical mineral powering electric vehicles, batteries, and future technologies globally.
According to Alhaji Abubakar Buba, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, the plant is already operational and boasts an astonishing daily processing capacity of over 30,000 tonnes of lithium. This strategic move positions Kaduna not only as a mineral-rich state but as a hub for green technology investment.
The project reflects the Governor’s broader strategy to turn Kaduna into the solid minerals capital of Nigeria, with over 70 mineral resources including lithium, gold, tin, coltan, wolframite, titanium, and iron. Through the Kaduna Mining Development Company, the state has acquired 18 new mineral titles, setting the groundwork for long-term economic expansion and job creation.
Beyond production, the Sani administration is developing a comprehensive Mining Development Roadmap in partnership with Core International Marketing and Management Ltd, aimed at guiding investors and improving regulation in the sector.
Understanding that local cooperation is critical to sustainable mining, Governor Sani adopted an innovative strategy to convert illegal miners into cooperative societies, integrating them into the formal economy. These miners, mostly locals with intimate knowledge of the terrain—now serve as community guides and labor partners to investors, reducing environmental abuse and boosting local employment.
“Out of the Governor’s magnanimity, he graciously agreed that we should form cooperative societies of these illegal miners. They now serve as the foot soldiers for any investor that is coming,” said Commissioner Buba. This inclusive approach is already yielding dividends by improving surveillance, reducing crime, and empowering communities.
Governor Sani’s reformist posture is reflected in the fiscal growth witnessed in the mining sector alone. In the last two quarters of 2024, Kaduna generated over ₦30 million from mining activities, a figure projected to double in 2025 as full-scale operations from the lithium plant and other mining ventures come onstream.
The administration has also focused on revamping the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) system, leveraging digital platforms for tax collection, land documentation, and permit issuance. These reforms are reducing leakages and improving transparency.
A key highlight of Governor Sani’s mid-term scorecard is Kaduna’s leadership in climate governance. The state became the first sub-national entity in Nigeria to develop both a State Climate Policy and a Position Statement, marking a significant step towards carbon neutrality and resilience in a region heavily affected by desertification and flooding.
To reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal, which contribute to deforestation—the government, in collaboration with ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), trained over 500 women and youths in briquette production, providing alternative cooking fuel that is affordable, clean, and sustainable.
Additionally, through a partnership with Women’s Initiative on Sustainable Environment (WISE), the government distributed clean cooking stoves to over 400 households, significantly cutting harmful emissions and improving public health.
Governor Sani understands that the future of Kaduna lies in the hands of its youth. His administration has scaled up vocational training programs across the 23 local governments, focusing on agribusiness, renewable energy, ICT, and technical trades. These initiatives are housed under the newly revitalized Kaduna State Skills Acquisition Centres and the Job Creation Unit, where thousands of young people are being prepared for the evolving global economy.
Under his leadership, Kaduna has become a top destination for digital and tech innovation, with growing partnerships with private sector players and development organizations to build IT hubs, support coding programs, and foster digital entrepreneurship.
In healthcare, the Uba Sani administration has rehabilitated over 150 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and improved their staffing through new recruitments and incentives. The state has also expanded coverage under its State Health Insurance Scheme, improving access to affordable medical care, especially for rural and vulnerable populations.
In education, the government has completed the construction and renovation of over 300 classrooms, equipped public schools with instructional materials, and launched an aggressive teacher training initiative. A special focus has been placed on girls’ education, with scholarship programs and sanitary support provided to ensure retention and learning continuity.
Kaduna, once notorious for banditry and insurgency in some parts, has seen relative improvement in security under the current administration, thanks to better synergy with federal security agencies and increased investment in intelligence-led policing.
The Governor has also committed to road development projects connecting urban and rural zones. From the ongoing Maraban Rido–Sabon Tasha dual carriageway to rural feeder roads that facilitate trade and farming, Kaduna’s infrastructure network is steadily expanding.
Additionally, Kaduna’s inclusion into the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) under Governor Sani’s watch ensures that the state will receive special funds for power and infrastructure development in riverine communities. Unlike his immediate predecessor Nasir El-rufai, Governor Sani has governed with a steady hand, consulting widely, respecting institutional frameworks, and communicating transparently with citizens. His quarterly ministerial press briefings, town hall meetings, and policy dialogues have enhanced public trust and accountability.
His administration’s recognition by local and international partners—along with Kaduna’s rating as the cleanest city in North-West Nigeria in 2024, reflects rising civic participation.
At the midpoint of his first term, Governor Uba Sani has successfully repositioned Kaduna State as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive governance. From launching Nigeria’s first lithium plant to empowering youths, greening the environment, and revitalizing public institutions, his administration is laying a strong foundation for long-term prosperity.
If the second half of his tenure builds on this momentum, Governor Sani’s legacy will likely be remembered not only for what he built—but for the futures he empowered and the systems he restored in one of Nigeria’s most pivotal states.
•Adamu writes from Kaduna