- Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani credited cost-cutting measures for significant infrastructure development, including reducing government vehicle purchases and allowances
- The governor reported a decrease of 300,000 out-of-school children in six months, attributing this to investments in education and infrastructure
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has credited his administration’s cost-cutting measures for driving significant infrastructure development despite financial limitations.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Sani outlined key austerity strategies, such as a ban on new vehicle purchases for government officials and reduced allowances, that have allowed the state to focus resources on essential services.
A notable outcome of these measures has been a decrease in the number of out-of-school children, with around 300,000 fewer children out of school in the last six months.
This achievement forms part of broader investments in the education sector, which include upgrading facilities and improving access to education.
“We initiated serious adjustments to reduce the cost of governance,” Sani explained. “To date, we have not purchased a single vehicle for any government official. I’ve cut my own salary in half and reduced allowances for commissioners and advisers. This has enabled us to focus on education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure development.”
The governor also detailed educational improvements, with the construction of 62 new secondary schools, 2,340 primary school classrooms, and a targeted teacher recruitment drive. Kaduna reportedly has about 768,739 out-of-school children at the basic education level, underscoring the importance of these measures.
In healthcare, the state has reconstructed and equipped 12 secondary healthcare centers. Additionally, 62 roads spanning approximately 700 kilometers are being constructed, with some projects already completed and commissioned.
Governor Sani also mentioned the acquisition of 100 CNG buses for public transportation, inviting President Tinubu to visit Kaduna for their commissioning. These initiatives are aligned with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The governor reported improvements in Kaduna’s security, noting a reduction in major security incidents due to enhanced collaboration between security agencies, the government, and local communities.
Through cost management and targeted investments, Governor Sani is positioning Kaduna State for continued growth amid ongoing challenges.