Understanding Governor Uba Sani’s wards intervention policy

At a time when democracy is fast losing its acceptability and its dividends becomes elusive, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani,is striving to change the narrative. Since his election in 2023, the governor has redefined governance and took democracy’s goodies to the rural communities. For the first time, Governor Uba Sani,distributed thousands of bags of fertilisers and […]

At a time when democracy is fast losing its acceptability and its dividends becomes elusive, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani,is striving to change the narrative. Since his election in 2023, the governor has redefined governance and took democracy’s goodies to the rural communities.

For the first time, Governor Uba Sani,distributed thousands of bags of fertilisers and other farms implements, free of charge, to peasant farmers. This effort did not only boost agricultural productions but also project Kaduna State as a food basket of the country.

This was further complemented by roads projects in virtually all the 23 local governments of the state. Rural roads have been tarred which opened up many communities and improved transportation of farms products to the  market.

Despite this intervention policies and programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the living conditions of rural communities, Governor Sani is still rolling up more programmes and targeting millions people of the state. This is evident in his allocation of N100million to each of 255 wards captured in 2026 budget. The Governor said the decision was driven by citizens’ complaints and community feedback from last year’s town hall sessions, where residents detailed the huge developmental gaps across rural communities.

He said it became clear in 2024 that 12 of the state’s 23 LGAs had not benefitted from even one kilometre of road construction in 12 years, prompting a shift from top-to-bottom budgeting to a ward-by-ward development model that prioritises what people actually need.

Neglecting rural communities in Nigeria leads to increased poverty and inequality, as people lack basic services and job opportunities. It causes rural–urban migration, resulting in overcrowded cities and unemployment. Agricultural productivity declines due to poor infrastructure, leading to food shortages and higher prices. Poor education and healthcare increase illiteracy and disease. Neglect also contributes to insecurity, social unrest, and slows overall national development.

With the #100 ward intervention funds, communities will take charge of their development. They will identify priority areas and implement their projects ranging from electricity, clean water, schools and health centres to improve living standards and attract investment. Some communities will key into agricultural development through acquiring and providing farm inputs, credit facilities, irrigation, extension services and improve access to markets to boost productivity and income.

Beyond the rural infrastructure gaps that prompted the bottom -to-top development approach, there are many benefits derivable when communities take charge of their development. One of the major benefits is better identification of real needs.

Community members understand their most pressing challenges—whether it is potable water, healthcare, schools, roads, or markets. Community control also promotes ownership and sustainability. Projects that are initiated and managed by local people are treated as collective property. As a result, communities are more willing to protect, maintain and sustain them. Another key advantage is transparency and accountability. When communities are directly involved in project execution, they closely monitor how funds are used. This grassroots oversight helps curb corruption and ensures that government resources are spent prudently. It also builds trust between citizens and government. Community-led projects are often more cost-effective and timelier. Local labour, skills, and materials can be utilised, lowering project costs and speeding up completion. Communities are also able to adapt quickly to challenges without waiting for lengthy bureaucratic approvals.

In addition, this approach empowers citizens and builds capacity. Managing development projects equips community members with leadership, financial management, and organisational skills. Women and youths, in particular, gain opportunities to participate actively in development, strengthening social inclusion and civic responsibility.

The allocation of N100million for 255 wards across the state, by Sani, has never come at right time than now. It has come at a time when government presence in rural communities has continued to diminish and democracy losses its core values.

Governor Uba Sani deserves a pat on his back for initiating this noble approach capable of transforming communities and enhancing good governance. This approach should be adopted by other sub-national units for growth and national development.

 

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State, [email protected]