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Tag: Uba Sani

  • 90% of Kaduna now safe under Uba Sani, says ex-Governor Yero

    90% of Kaduna now safe under Uba Sani, says ex-Governor Yero

    • ATT holds special prayer for governor on 55th birthday

    A former Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has said over 90 per cent of Kaduna State is now safe.

    The ex-governor attributed the cheery news to Governor Uba Sani’s security measures since assuming office.

    Yero spoke at a special prayer session organised by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) in honour of Governor Sani’s 55th birthday at Arewa House in Kaduna.

    The former governor said Sani inherited a state that was gasping for breath under widespread insecurity, with several communities cut off and many markets shut due to fear of attacks.

    He noted that most areas that were previously inaccessible have now been reopened, allowing the residents to move freely and conduct their businesses without fear.

    “At the time he took over, there were many places you could not go and markets that were closed. Today, over 90 per cent of those places are open. You can go to Birnin Gwari, Giwa and their markets and transact business freely,” Yero said.

    The ex-governor attributed the improved security to effective collaboration between the Kaduna State government, the Federal Government, and security agencies, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support.

    READ ALSO: CBN posts $4.6b balance of payment surplus, PMI hits 57.6 points

    He said the gains in security have translated into economic revival, stressing that small businesses are thriving as residents go about their daily activities without harassment.

    Yero said the expansion of infrastructure projects into rural areas has further stimulated economic growth, unlike in the past when development was largely restricted to urban centres.

    ATT Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said the prayer session was part of the group’s tradition of marking the birthdays of leaders with prayers and goodwill.

    He said the impressive turnout at the event reflected public confidence in Governor Sani’s performance and leadership.

    The ATT leader dismissed claims of a looming one-party state, describing such a narrative as propaganda by politicians unwilling to compete.

    He said praying for leaders is a civic responsibility, stressing that good leadership ultimately translates into collective progress for the people.

    Also, an activist, Yerima Shettima, said Governor Sani has demonstrated purposeful leadership as the return of peace has begun to attract investors to the state.

    Shettima urged Nigerians to continue supporting the governor and President Tinubu, saying sustained support was necessary to consolidate the gains recorded so far.

  • 90 percent of Kaduna now safe under Uba Sani — Yero

    90 percent of Kaduna now safe under Uba Sani — Yero

    • …as ATT holds special prayer for Gov Sani at 55

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, on Wednesday said over 90 per cent of Kaduna State is now safe, attributing the development to the security measures put in place by Governor Uba Sani since assuming office.

    Yero spoke at a special prayer session organised by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) in honour of Governor Sani’s 55th birthday at Arewa House, Kaduna.

    He said the governor inherited a state burdened by widespread insecurity, with several communities cut off and many markets shut due to fear of attacks.

    According to him, areas that were previously inaccessible have been reopened, allowing residents to move freely and conduct business without fear.

    “At the time he took over, there were many places you could not go and markets that were closed. Today, over 90 per cent of those places are open. You can go to Birnin Gwari, Giwa and their markets and transact business freely,” Yero said.

    He attributed the improved security to effective collaboration between the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Government and security agencies, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support.

    Yero said the gains in security have translated into economic revival, noting that small businesses are thriving as residents go about their daily activities without harassment.

    He added that the expansion of infrastructure projects into rural areas has further stimulated economic growth, unlike in the past when development was largely restricted to urban centres.

    Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said the prayer session was part of the group’s tradition of marking the birthdays of leaders with prayers and goodwill.

    He said the impressive turnout at the event reflected public confidence in the governor’s performance and leadership.

    Yakubu dismissed claims of a looming one-party state, describing such narratives as propaganda by politicians unwilling to compete.

    He stressed that praying for leaders was a civic responsibility, noting that good leadership ultimately translates into collective progress for the people.

    Also speaking, activist Comrade Yerima Shettima said Governor Sani has demonstrated purposeful leadership, stressing that the return of peace has begun to attract investors to the state.

    Shettima urged Nigerians to continue supporting the governor and President Tinubu, saying sustained support was necessary to consolidate the gains recorded so far.

  • President hails Uba Sani at 55

    President hails Uba Sani at 55

    • Tinubu lauds Kaduna governor’s sacrifice, inclusive leadership

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on today’s celebration of his 55th birthday.

    The President applauded the governor’s life of sacrifice, principled leadership and inclusive approach to governance.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, President Tinubu described Governor Sani as “my younger brother and friend in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria”.

    The President noted that Governor Sani’s political journey has been shaped by conviction rather than personal gain.

    “The life, struggles, and triumphs of Governor Sani glisten with golden lessons, especially for our younger ones. As a young man, he identified a noble purpose for his life: the quest for a free and egalitarian society,” the President said.

    Recalling what happened during the years of military rule, President Tinubu said Sani belonged to a rare generation of leaders whose entry into public office was preceded by sacrifice and courage.

    “As a young student leader and later a pro-democracy activist during the dark days of military rule, he stood firmly on the side of justice, freedom, and national unity,” he said, adding that “at a time when fear was widespread and silence tempting, he—like a few of us—chose the more challenging path of conviction”.

    Read Also: Southeast will vote massively for Tinubu, Nwifuru — Umahi

    The President stressed that the history of struggle had not been abandoned in power but had instead “matured into statesmanship, guiding his conduct in office with humility, empathy, and resolve”.

    President Tinubu also highlighted Sani’s record in the Ninth National Assembly, describing him as a reformist lawmaker with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s future.

    “His legislative contributions, particularly the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, demonstrated foresight. That legislation strengthened financial stability, embraced innovation, laid a solid foundation for fintech growth and expanded access to credit for businesses and entrepreneurs,” the President said.

    Since Sani assumed office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu said the governor has brought “a refreshing tone to governance in Kaduna State,” proving himself to be “not just a man of conviction, but also a man of compassion”.

    He praised the governor for his inclusive governance model, saying it had helped to unite the people of the state and heal long-standing ethnic and religious divisions.

    “Through Governor Sani’s deliberate inclusive governance model, he has united the people, healed ethnic and religious divisions and restored trust across communities,” President Tinubu said.

    The President pointed to improved security in a part of Kaduna State that was once ravaged by banditry.

    “Birnin Gwari, which was once desolate due to banditry, has got its groove back, with farmers returning to their farms and agricultural commerce booming,” he said.

    According to the President, the gains were driven by Governor Sani’s engagement of traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities as partners in peace, which had deepened security and fostered sustainable development.

    He also hailed the Kaduna administration’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, industrialisation and agriculture, saying the governor understood “that development must touch lives equitably”.

    President Tinubu also described Governor Sani as a trusted ally of the Federal Government and a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recognising his active support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Governor Uba Sani has also been a trusted and reliable ally of this administration,” the President said, adding that his commitment reaffirmed “his belief that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people”.

    As the governor marks his birthday today, President Tinubu said he was proud of Sani’s journey “from pro-democracy activist to a key participant in the collective effort to consolidate democratic gains and good governance”.

    He added: “I join your family, friends, and the good people of Kaduna State in wishing you good health, strength, greater accomplishments, and renewed wisdom to continue your selfless service to our country. May your leadership continue to inspire, and may Kaduna State and Nigeria benefit ever more from your service.”

  • Tinubu hails Uba Sani at 55, praises sacrifice, inclusive leadership

    Tinubu hails Uba Sani at 55, praises sacrifice, inclusive leadership

    …recalls Kaduna governor’s pro-democracy roots, reformist credentials

    …commends security gains, BOFIA legacy, and support for Renewed Hope Agenda

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, as he marks his 55th birthday on December 31, praising his life of sacrifice, principled leadership, and inclusive approach to governance.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu described Governor Sani as “my younger brother and friend in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria,” whose political journey was shaped by conviction rather than personal gain.

    “The life, struggles, and triumphs of Governor Sani glisten with golden lessons, especially for our younger ones. As a young man, he identified a noble purpose for his life: the quest for a free and egalitarian society,” the President said.

    Recalling the years of military rule, Tinubu noted that Sani belonged to a rare generation of leaders whose entry into public office was preceded by sacrifice and courage.

    “As a young student leader and later a pro-democracy activist during the dark days of military rule, he stood firmly on the side of justice, freedom, and national unity,” Tinubu said, adding that “at a time when fear was widespread and silence tempting, he—like a few of us—chose the more challenging path of conviction.”

    The President said that the history of struggle had not been abandoned in power but had instead “matured into statesmanship, guiding his conduct in office with humility, empathy, and resolve.”

    Tinubu also highlighted Sani’s record in the 9th National Assembly, describing him as a reformist lawmaker with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s future.

    “His legislative contributions, particularly the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, demonstrated foresight. That legislation strengthened financial stability, embraced innovation, laid a solid foundation for fintech growth, and expanded access to credit for businesses and entrepreneurs,” the President said.

    Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu said Sani had brought “a refreshing tone to governance in Kaduna State,” proving himself to be “not just a man of conviction, but also a man of compassion.”

    He praised the governor’s inclusive governance model, saying it had helped to unite the people of the state and heal long-standing ethnic and religious divisions.

    “Through Governor Sani’s deliberate inclusive governance model, he has united the people, healed ethnic and religious divisions, and restored trust across communities,” Tinubu said.

    The President pointed to improved security in Birnin Gwari, once ravaged by banditry.

    “Birnin Gwari, which was once desolate due to banditry, has gotten its groove back, with farmers returning to their farms and agricultural commerce booming,” he noted.

    Read Also: Uba Sani boosts teachers’ welfare, extends retirement age to 65, approves rural allowance

    According to Tinubu, the gains were driven by Sani’s engagement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local communities as partners in peace, which had deepened security and fostered sustainable development.

    He also commended the Kaduna administration’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, industrialisation, and agriculture, saying the governor understood “that development must touch lives equitably.”

    Tinubu further described Sani as a trusted ally of the Federal Government and a committed member of the All Progressives Congress, noting his active support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Governor Uba Sani has also been a trusted and reliable ally of this administration,” the President said, adding that his commitment reaffirmed “his belief that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people.”

    As the governor marks his birthday, Tinubu said he was proud of Sani’s journey “from pro-democracy activist to a key participant in the collective effort to consolidate democratic gains and good governance.”

    “I join your family, friends, and the good people of Kaduna State in wishing you good health, strength, greater accomplishments, and renewed wisdom to continue your selfless service to our country. May your leadership continue to inspire, and may Kaduna State and Nigeria benefit ever more from your service,” the president said. 

  • Education takes lion’s share as Uba Sani signs N985.9bn 2026 budget into law

    Education takes lion’s share as Uba Sani signs N985.9bn 2026 budget into law

    Governor Uba Sani has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, with Education taking the largest share of 25% of the N985.9 billion budget of Kaduna State.

    Speaking at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, the Governor said that the budget ‘’reflects our resolve to consolidate the gains we have made while laying even stronger foundations for sustainable growth.’’

    Governor Uba Sani disclosed that ₦698.9 billion, representing 70.9 percent of the budget, has been devoted to capital expenditure, targeted at infrastructure development, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.

    He also said, ‘’Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦287 billion, or 29.1 percent, ensuring that essential government services continue to function efficiently and responsibly.”

    Giving a breakdown of the budget, the Governor said that Education got 25 percent of the budget ‘’because we believe that knowledge is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and securing the future of our children.”

    “Infrastructure and rural transformation also account for 25 percent, reflecting our determination to open up communities, connect markets, and stimulate economic activity across the state.

    “Health takes15 percent, affirming our conviction that a healthy population is the foundation of productivity and human dignity. Agriculture and food security receive 11.65 percent, reinforcing our commitment to feeding our people, empowering farmers, and strengthening our local economy,’’ he disclosed.

    According to Governor Uba Sani, his administration “also made deliberate provisions for climate change activities, nutrition, and environmental sustainability, recognising the realities of our time and our responsibility to future generations.”

    Titled Budget of ‘’Consolidation of Transformation for Inclusive Development,’’ he pointed out that its defining feature is the administration’s resolve to correct long-standing exclusion errors.

    ‘’By allocating ₦100 million to every ward in Kaduna State for community-driven projects, we are empowering our people to determine their priorities and drive development from the grassroots. This is governance that listens, governance that includes, and governance that delivers,’’ he argued.

    The Governor maintained that his Government is committed to fiscal discipline and responsible financial management.

    ‘’The 2026 budget introduces no new loans, and we have already paid ₦114.9 billion in debt servicing. This reflects our determination to protect the future of Kaduna State while meeting the needs of the present,’’ he disclosed.

    According to him, the 2026 budget is more than figures and projections because it promises ‘’ progress, opportunity, and a better quality of life for every citizen of Kaduna State.’’

    The Governor, however, said that its success will depend on effective implementation and continued collaboration with the Kaduna State House of Assembly, assuring a cordial and productive working relationship with the legislature.

    ‘’Together, we have helped position Kaduna as Nigeria’s bastion of peace and tranquillity, and together we will sustain this stability as the bedrock of development. By working together, we will consolidate transformation, deepen inclusion, and build a Kaduna State that truly works for all,’’ he promised.

  • Uba Sani boosts teachers’ welfare, extends retirement age to 65, approves rural allowance

    Uba Sani boosts teachers’ welfare, extends retirement age to 65, approves rural allowance

    In a decisive move to strengthen the education sector and reward professional dedication, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved enhanced service conditions for teachers across the state.

    With effect from 1 August 2025, the mandatory retirement age for teachers has been extended from 60 to 65 years, while the maximum years of service have been increased from 35 to 40 years.

    In addition, teachers posted to rural and hard-to-reach communities will now receive a special rural posting allowance.

    The approval aligns with the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, enacted by the National Assembly, which exempts teachers from the general public service retirement threshold of 60 years or 35 years of service, in recognition of their critical role in national development.

    The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the decision reflects Governor Uba Sani’s firm commitment to improving workers’ welfare and revitalising the education sector.

    He noted that the Governor considers experienced teachers central to delivering quality education and sustaining learning outcomes across the state.

    “This policy is designed to honour years of dedicated service, retain invaluable experience in our classrooms, and motivate greater productivity for the benefit of our children and the future of Kaduna State,” Maiyaki said.

    A circular conveying the approval has been issued by the Office of the Governor and signed by the Permanent Secretary (Establishment), Mrs. Felicia I. Makama, directing all relevant institutions to comply.

    The circular adds that detailed implementation guidelines will be issued by the State Civil Service Commission in due course.

    Governor Sani expressed confidence that the policy will boost teacher motivation, improve retention, and significantly raise educational standards across Kaduna State, reinforcing his administration’s broader commitment to strengthening public institutions and investing in human capital development.

  • Uba Sani: Redefining governance through innovation

    Uba Sani: Redefining governance through innovation

    Sir: Kaduna State has steadily emerged from a period characterised by insecurity, socio-political dislocation, and weakened economic confidence. Once widely perceived as unstable, marginalised, and commercially constrained, the state is now reasserting itself as a symbol of order, credible governance, and renewed investment appeal. This transformation is neither accidental nor superficial. It is the outcome of deliberate leadership, disciplined administration, and a clearly articulated development pathway under the stewardship of Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State.

    His strategic direction is redefining Kaduna’s fortunes and strengthening its relevance within Nigeria’s subnational economy and the wider international investment space.

    In just over two and a half years, Governor Sani has presided over a calm yet deeply transformative renewal. Rejecting populist theatrics, his administration has consistently prioritised reconciliation over spectacle, institutional coherence over improvised responses, and measurable outcomes over fleeting applause. This governance philosophy has restored public confidence, revived investor interest, and reactivated economic and social life across communities previously immobilised by fear. Kaduna’s recovery exemplifies leadership grounded in substance and guided by long-term vision rather than short-term political advantage.

    International validation of this progress became evident on September 10, when the United Kingdom government upgraded Kaduna from Red Level Four to Amber Level Three on its travel advisory scale. Announced alongside a Mutual Accountability Framework, this reclassification signalled that the state had crossed a decisive threshold in stability and governance credibility. For investors and development partners alike, the implication was unmistakable. Kaduna is increasingly secure, predictable, and open for business.

    With stability largely consolidated, the administration has shifted focus towards converting peace into broad-based prosperity. Agribusiness, particularly poultry production, has been identified as a strategic driver of inclusive growth, employment creation, and food security. This ambition was reinforced when Governor Uba Sani led a delegation to Beijing for high-level engagements with the China Communications Construction Company, CCCC. Kaduna became the first Nigerian subnational government to be formally received at the company’s headquarters, reflecting rising international confidence in the state’s development agenda.

    Visits to large-scale poultry and halal meat processing complexes, some producing several million units daily, provided valuable insights into integrated value chains encompassing production, processing, packaging, and distribution. These lessons now inform Kaduna’s flagship $200 million poultry initiative, scheduled for implementation in early 2026.

    Designed as a fully integrated value chain project, it is projected to empower more than 350,000 youths and women, expand domestic protein supply, and generate sustainable employment. The initiative represents a decisive shift from subsistence farming to commercially competitive, export-ready agribusiness aligned with global standards.

    Through the Roads Development Initiative, more than 1,300 kilometres of roads are currently under construction, reconnecting rural communities to urban markets and strengthening intra-state and regional integration. Urban transport reforms, including the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit system and modern transport terminals, reflect a coherent mobility strategy designed to support inclusive and sustainable economic expansion.

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    Beyond transport, the administration has revitalised the rural economy. Over 500,000 hectares of previously abandoned farmland have been restored, displaced farmers resettled, and agricultural investment significantly expanded. Flagship initiatives such as the $510 million Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone position Kaduna as a leading agro-industrial hub in northern Nigeria. Parallel investments in human capital, spanning education, teacher training, reduced tertiary fees, upgraded health facilities, and vocational programmes, have empowered tens of thousands of young people and reinforced a people-centred development model.

    On 16 December 16, the governor hosted the leadership of the National Board for Technology Incubation, NBTI, alongside Malam Al Amin Muhammed Idris, winner of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025. The engagement highlighted the administration’s embrace of technology and data-driven solutions in governance and service delivery.

    Underlying these achievements is a governance culture anchored in transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking. Compliance with Open Government Partnership standards, prudent debt management, and participatory budgeting, including the allocation of N100 million to each ward for community-selected projects, has strengthened democratic ownership and institutional legitimacy. Collectively, these measures articulate a coherent development philosophy, with peace as the foundation, people as the focus, and progress driven by strategic partnerships.

    Under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State is not merely evolving. It is being fundamentally redefined. Its experience demonstrates how principled leadership, fiscal responsibility, and strategic investment in agribusiness and innovation can reposition a subnational economy as stable, competitive, and exemplary within Nigeria’s federal landscape.

    •Abdulrashid Sani Gimi, PhD, Kaduna.

  • We will immortalise Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi—Gov Uba Sani

    We will immortalise Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi—Gov Uba Sani

    Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledged to establish a Foundation in honour of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi to sustain the promotion of inter-religious harmony for which the renowned Islamic scholar was celebrated during his lifetime.

    The governor made the pledge on Sunday while leading a 30-member delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late Tijjaniyya leader, who passed away on November 27, at his residence in Bauchi.

    Speaking during the visit, Governor Sani said the Kaduna State Government would constitute a committee made up of members of the late Sheikh’s family, his students, and other relevant stakeholders to work out the modalities for setting up the Foundation.

    He noted that although Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi hailed from Bauchi State, Kaduna State would honour and immortalise him in recognition of his immense contributions to Islam, good governance, and peaceful coexistence.

    According to the governor, the proposed Foundation would not only sustain the noble legacies of the late Islamic cleric but also implement initiatives and projects he had envisioned before his death.

    “I used to consult our late leader, and whatever advice he gave me had positive outcomes. I am part and parcel of the late Sheikh’s family, and we have a cordial relationship with members of his household.’’

    Governor Uba Sani promised that ‘’we will continue with his efforts at uniting Muslims and ensuring unity amongst adherents of different religions, not only in Kaduna State but the country at large.’’

    In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Jatau, recalled that Governor Uba Sani was in faraway China on an official assignment when Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi died.

    He said that the Kaduna State Governor had phoned his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed, from China and offered his condolences.

    ‘’I want to disclose that Governor Uba Sani also constituted a special committee in Kaduna to receive condolences from students and well-wishers of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi,’’ he added.

    Responding on behalf of the family, the son of the late Islamic cleric, Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, reiterated that the Governor has always been close to the deceased, even before he became the number one citizen of Kaduna State.

    ‘’This is your home. Immediately after the death was announced, we spoke on the phone. You also sent representatives who attended the funeral prayer, and afterwards, you sent a delegation of Malams to condole with us.

    ‘’Today, you have come to pay us a condolence visit. This shows the high esteem with which you held the late Sheikh. May Allah (SWT) bless you. May He also grant you your heart’s desires,’’ he added.

    Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim also thanked Governor Uba Sani, on behalf of the deceased’s 82 children, for promising to rebuild the residence of their grandfather, where the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi grew up.

    Those on Governor Uba Sani’s delegation include the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman, the National President of Fityanul Islam of Nigeria (FIN), Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Arabi Abul Fath, and Dr. Musa Muhammad from Borno (Deputy National Chairman, Fityanul Islam).

    Others are Engr. Mansur Nakande from Plateau State (Secretary-General, Fityanul Islam); Sheikh Salaudeen Inyas; Saiyyida Fatima from Niger State (National Women Leader, Fityanul Islam); Hajia Hadiza Muhammad (National Women Secretary, Fityanul Islam), and the Kaduna State Chairman of Fityanul Islam, Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahi.

    Sheikh Abdulkarim Hashim (Chief Imam, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Mosque, Kaduna); Sheikh Sharu Danlami (National Chairman, Quddamun Nabiyyu); Sheikh Salisu Maibarota; Sheikh Aminu Kasim Kafanchan; Sheikh Ibrahim Mahe, and Sheikh Nasiru G. Shehu Dahiru were also on the delegation.

    The rest are the Kaduna State Chairman, First Aid, and State Chairmen of Fityanul Islam from various states, including Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Niger, and Bauchi, as well as other senior officials of the Kaduna State Government.

  • Uba Sani’s new agenda for Kaduna’s rich mineral wealth

    Uba Sani’s new agenda for Kaduna’s rich mineral wealth

    • By Haruna Manzo

    Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on the sidelines of the recent G-20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, (the first to be hosted anywhere in Africa), in which Kaduna State participated in the International Investment Forum and Roadshow for Solid Minerals in Nigeria), delivered a compelling keynote address titled “Unlocking Kaduna’s Green Minerals Future: From Exploration to Industrialisation.” In his speech, he presented Kaduna not as a mere supplier of raw materials but as a dynamic mining and industrial hub ready to integrate into the global green economy. A completely new agenda for the state’s rich mineral deposits.

    Kaduna State’s mineral wealth is reportedly staggering. Geological surveys have identified at least 23 key assets, including gold, lithium, tin, tantalite, iron ore, and limestone, with some sources suggesting the presence of up to 70 different minerals such as nickel, manganese, columbite, wolframite, titanium, cobalt, amethyst, tourmaline, sapphire, and garnet. These resources, scattered across the state’s diverse terrain from the Birnin Gwari goldfields to the lithium-rich zones in southern Kaduna, have long been underutilized. Governor Uba Sani, however, has signaled his determination to harness the mineral wealth of the state for the good of the people.

    Historically, Nigeria’s mining sector has been plagued by artisanal exploitation, illegal activities, and a heavy reliance on raw exports, which deprives local communities of value addition and sustainable benefits. Governor Uba Sani, recognizing this as a missed opportunity, has made it a cornerstone of his administration to pivot toward a “green minerals future”—one that emphasizes environmental sustainability. He highlighted the state’s deliberate strategy to prioritize value addition over extraction, through investments in processing, beneficiation, mineral certification hubs, and robust public-private partnerships. This approach, he argued, would establish Kaduna as a center for integrated industrial growth, contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic diversification.

    The keynote was more than rhetoric, it was backed by concrete actions. During the forum, the Kaduna State Government, through the Kaduna Mining Development Company (KMDC), signed five strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international partners. These agreements underscore Sani’s commitment to collaborative development all aimed at harnessing the mineral wealth in the state for the good of all indigenes of Kaduna State. For instance, the partnership with X-Calibur Smart Mapping focuses on advanced mineral mapping, tracking illegal mining activities, and developing bankable assets. Another MoU with Core International Mining & Marketing Co. establishes the $150 million Kaduna State Green Mining Investment Fund, a private sector-driven initiative to finance early-stage exploration for critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements. This fund addresses a key bottleneck in Nigeria’s mining sector: the lack of risk-tolerant capital for initial drilling and project preparation. By committing anchor capital, Kaduna State signals its seriousness to global investors, aiming to de-risk the ecosystem and attract further funding.

    Additional partnerships include Rosebank Capital for investment mobilization and transaction advisory services, Vuka Group for integrating Kaduna into Africa’s broader mining ecosystem, and DCX Global & Precious Metals Tswane for establishing a gold aggregation and processing center.

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    These collaborations are designed to support artisanal miners through technology transfer, capacity building, and environmentally sustainable models. Governor Uba Sani has emphasized the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, ensuring that mining activities benefit local communities while minimizing ecological harm. Over the next two years, these efforts are projected to attract $2.5 to $3 billion in new investments, create more than 10,000 jobs, generate up to $90 million in household income gains, and lift 50,000 to 70,000 citizens out of poverty.

    For the record, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has already made significant strides in repositioning the solid minerals sector before the G-20 summit. One flagship project is the Lithium Processing Plant at Kangimi, along the Kaduna-Jos road—a pioneering facility in Nigeria, developed in partnership with Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nigeria Ltd. Launched with an initial investment of $20 million (set to rise to $50 million), the plant has a starting capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes per day, expandable to 3,000 tonnes. It not only processes lithium for use in batteries, glass, and aluminum but also plans to utilize by-products for tile production, creating an additional 500 jobs.

    This initiative exemplifies the value addition Governor Uba Sani has been harping on instead of exporting raw lithium. Admittedly, Kaduna is building an industrial ecosystem that retains economic benefits locally.

    To combat illegal mining, which has long eroded revenue and endangered lives, Governor Uba Sani has implemented enhanced surveillance and regulatory measures. Illegal operations have drastically reduced, and the administration is forming cooperatives for artisanal miners, transforming them into “foot soldiers” for legitimate investors. These miners, familiar with the terrain, can provide valuable intelligence and labour while benefiting from formal training and fair wages. The KMDC has acquired 18 additional mineral titles, further expanding the state’s portfolio and inviting reputable international operators to explore responsibly.

    Governor Uba Sani’s strategy extends beyond mining to other sectors, recognizing that mineral wealth must fuel broader development. At the same G-20 event, he showcased Kaduna’s priority areas: agriculture, transport, solid minerals, and renewable energy. Initiatives like the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) and the Agro-Industrial Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) link mineral revenues to agricultural industrialization. For instance, limestone and other industrial minerals can support cement production for infrastructure, while lithium enables renewable energy storage solutions. Partnerships with entities like Atlantic Mining Techniques Limited ($300 million investment) and Hebei Province in China (MoU for cooperation in solid minerals, energy, and infrastructure) amplify these efforts.  

    The results are already transformative. Over $2.1 billion in long-term investments have been attracted, signaling strong investor confidence. Exploration by international firms is widespread, and the focus on green minerals aligns with global demands for sustainable sourcing in the energy transition.

    Governor Uba Sani has called for a deeper Nigeria-South Africa cooperation in investment and technology transfer, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms that enhance subnational autonomy and ease of doing business. Yet, Governor Uba Sani’s vision is people-centered. By emphasizing job creation, poverty alleviation, and community engagement, he ensures that mineral harnessing benefits all the people of Kaduna State. Artisanal miners are integrated rather than displaced, environmental protections are prioritized, and revenues fund social programs in education, health, and security. This holistic approach mitigates the “resource curse” that has afflicted many mineral-rich regions, but rather fostering inclusive growth.

    In essence, Governor Uba Sani is not just mining Kaduna’s earth; he is cultivating its future. The governor is thinking tomorrow’s challenges today—through innovative policies, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability—he is positioning Kaduna as Nigeria’s next frontier for green-minerals-driven development. As the state emerges as a beacon of industrial progress, Governor Uba Sani’s leadership serves as a model for subnational entities across Africa, proving that with vision and action, natural resources can indeed pave the way to prosperity for all.

    •Manzo, a development economist and good governance advocate, writes from Zaria, Kaduna State.

  • NTA names Uba Sani best performing governor of 2025

    NTA names Uba Sani best performing governor of 2025

    Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has been honoured with the Best Performing Governor Award for 2025 by the NTA Kaduna Network Centre, adding another major recognition to his growing list of achievements.

    The award, presented yesterday, was described as a strong endorsement of the governor’s commitment to stabilising Kaduna, strengthening security, and promoting inclusive governance that resonates across communities.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, Governor Sani was celebrated for transforming Kaduna into a national model for peace-building, development and responsive leadership.

    Despite a year marked by complex national challenges, Kaduna has recorded notable gains in security, rising investor confidence and renewed citizen engagement under Governor Sani’s reform-driven leadership. NTA officials hailed him as a “pillar of stability” whose inclusive policies have strengthened political participation and social cohesion.

    The colourful award ceremony, chaired by Rt. Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, PhD, drew high-profile guests including Senator Shehu Sani, members of the National Assembly, NBTE’s Prof. Idris Bugaje, media executives and other stakeholders. 

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    Speakers highlighted the Governor’s strides in peace-building, infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare and social welfare, describing Kaduna’s progress as unmatched among subnational governments in 2025.

    They noted that the administration inherited significant challenges but responded with clear strategies and tangible solutions—from security partnerships that reduced rural banditry to expanded opportunities in skills development, mass transit, housing, MSME support and capital projects. 

    His inclusive leadership style, offering greater representation to women, youths and minority groups, was praised as a unifying model.

    Receiving the award on the Governor’s behalf, Maiyaki reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to sustain ongoing reforms, deepen grassroots engagement and accelerate development across all 23 LGAs. He dedicated the honour to the people of Kaduna State, saying their support remains central to the Governor’s achievements.

    The NTA recognition further elevates Governor Uba Sani’s national profile as a bridge-builder and reform champion, reinforcing Kaduna’s growing reputation for stability, inclusiveness and people-centred governance in 2025.