Key Takeaways
- Governor Uba Sani committed Kaduna State to deepening fiscal reforms and ensuring every financial resource delivers measurable value.
- The state has seen significant growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) due to technology-driven reforms like Project C.R.A.F.T. and PAYKADUNA.
- Kaduna has extensively modernized its healthcare infrastructure, upgrading Primary Healthcare Centres and improving personnel remuneration.
- Education remains a core focus, with near-perfect gender parity in school enrolment and a substantial reduction in out-of-school children.
- The administration emphasizes transparency and public confidence as crucial drivers for voluntary tax compliance and overall development.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has unequivocally pledged his administration's unwavering commitment to advancing reforms aimed at bolstering fiscal resilience and significantly enhancing service delivery across the state. This declaration was made during a recent courtesy visit by members of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, where discussions centered on the ongoing review of Nigeria’s horizontal revenue allocation formula.
Governor Sani assured the delegation, led by RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, that every financial resource entrusted to the Kaduna State government would be meticulously managed to deliver tangible, measurable value for its citizens. He emphasized that his administration has consistently demonstrated how prudent resource management, coupled with robust institutional reforms and strategic investments, can yield transformative outcomes for the populace.
Driving Fiscal Sustainability Through Innovation
Highlighting the state’s impressive strides in fiscal sustainability over the past three years, Governor Sani attributed this success to a combination of deliberate reforms, improved technological integration, and a steadfast commitment to transparency. These efforts have collectively led to a substantial increase in Kaduna State's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“This achievement was not accidental,” Governor Sani stated, “but rather the direct result of deliberate reforms designed to diversify revenue sources, modernize tax administration, and enhance compliance through sophisticated, technology-driven systems.” He specifically cited the introduction of Project C.R.A.F.T. and the PAYKADUNA platform, which have streamlined revenue payments, significantly boosted transparency, and effectively curbed financial leakages. The Governor also noted that building public confidence in government institutions has fostered greater voluntary tax compliance, reinforcing the principle that citizens are more willing to contribute when they witness responsible management of public resources.
Transforming Healthcare and Education
Beyond fiscal reforms, Governor Sani detailed the extensive expansion and modernization of healthcare infrastructure throughout Kaduna State. His administration has successfully upgraded one Primary Healthcare Centre in each Local Government Area into a Centre of Excellence, ensuring improved access to quality medical services. Furthermore, the state government has procured modern medical equipment, acquired three new ambulances, and actively recruited and improved the remuneration of healthcare personnel, thereby strengthening the state's medical workforce.
Education remains a cornerstone of Governor Sani’s development strategy. Kaduna State has made remarkable progress in expanding access to quality education, achieving near-perfect gender parity in school enrolment. This significant milestone, with boys and girls now represented in almost equal numbers, reflects sustained collaboration with key development partners through programmes like AGILE and ROOSC, which have broadened educational opportunities, particularly for girls and vulnerable children.
A clear indicator of this progress is the substantial decline in the number of out-of-school children. From a projected estimate of 535,000 in 2023, the most recent household mapping exercise identified 187,720 out-of-school children across all twenty-three Local Government Areas. While acknowledging that challenges persist, Governor Sani affirmed that the trajectory of progress is unmistakably encouraging, driven by sustained public investment, including allocating a significant 26.5 percent of the state budget to education.
Why This Matters
Kaduna State's commitment to fiscal discipline, transparent governance, and strategic investments in critical sectors like healthcare and education sets a vital precedent for sub-national development in Nigeria. These reforms not only improve the quality of life for its citizens but also serve as a model for other states striving for sustainable growth and enhanced public service delivery.