Part of our civic accountability and governance monitoring mandate, the JUGAAD Foundation hosted a policy dialogue titled “Assessing Governor Uba Sani’s First Term in Office – A Southern Kaduna Perspective.” The forum provided an important platform to evaluate the administration’s governance performance through the lens of inclusivity, equity, and sustainable development for the Southern Kaduna region.
The assessment was framed around the need to ensure that governance in Kaduna State addresses the unique socio-economic, cultural, and security challenges faced by Southern Kaduna communities, while also fostering statewide unity and growth.
Key Focus Areas of the Assessment
Discussions were guided by evidence-based reviews of the following sectors:
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Infrastructure Development: Evaluation of road networks, rural electrification, water projects, and other public works, with attention to equitable allocation across LGAs in Southern Kaduna.
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Education and Healthcare Investment: Assessment of budgetary allocations, new facilities, teacher recruitment, and improvements in primary healthcare access.
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Security Response: Analysis of government interventions in addressing persistent insecurity, including farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and community clashes.
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Intercommunal Harmony: Review of peacebuilding efforts, dialogue initiatives, and conflict resolution mechanisms supported by the administration.
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Citizen Engagement and Transparency: Examination of participatory governance, accessibility of government information, and openness in decision-making processes.
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Resource Distribution: Assessment of how state resources are allocated in ways that bridge the historical marginalization of Southern Kaduna.
Findings
While participants acknowledged progress in certain areas—including select infrastructure projects and increased public dialogue on insecurity—several gaps were identified:
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Uneven distribution of development projects, leaving rural areas underserved.
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Limited long-term strategies for sustainable peace and conflict resolution.
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Insufficient investment in rural education and healthcare facilities.
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Weak mechanisms for direct citizen engagement and grassroots consultation.
Recommendations
The dialogue produced actionable recommendations for mid-term governance improvements:
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Adopt an Inclusive Development Plan: Ensure balanced allocation of resources across all senatorial districts, with priority for historically marginalized areas.
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Strengthen Rural Infrastructure and Services: Expand access to schools, health centers, and economic opportunities in remote communities.
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Institutionalize Community Dialogue Platforms: Regularly engage traditional leaders, youth, women’s groups, and civil society in governance processes.
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Enhance Security Collaboration: Partner with local vigilante groups, security agencies, and community leaders to develop context-specific security strategies.
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Increase Transparency: Publish project allocations, expenditures, and performance reports in accessible formats for public scrutiny.
The Southern Kaduna perspective emphasizes that sustainable peace and development in Kaduna State depend on governance that prioritizes justice, fairness, and the empowerment of all communities. The recommendations from this assessment are intended to inform mid-term course corrections, strengthen democratic accountability, and deepen public trust for the remainder of Governor Uba Sani’s tenure.