Kaduna State is strengthening the culture of consensus-building, transparency, and measurable outcomes, contends MUHAMMED BALARABE
For years, Kaduna State occupied an uncomfortable position in Nigeria’s national discourse. Despite its immense economic potential, strategic location, rich agricultural endowments, and historical significance as a political and commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, the state was frequently associated with insecurity, ethnic tensions, social divisions, and governance challenges. Investors were cautious, communities were fractured, and public confidence in government institutions had waned. Today, however, Kaduna is telling a different story.
The latest validation comes from the 2025 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI), which ranked Kaduna State third among Nigeria’s 36 states and awarded it an Excellent Four-Star Rating. More importantly, the ranking places Kaduna among the country’s highest-performing sub-national governments, a remarkable achievement that underscores the transformation taking place under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani.
While rankings and awards do not tell the whole story of governance, they often provide credible indicators of direction and performance. In Kaduna’s case, the Phillips Consulting assessment is particularly significant because it combines objective development indicators with citizen perceptions and feedback. The result is a comprehensive evaluation of how government policies are translating into real outcomes for the people.
