John Shiklam in Kaduna
The United Kingdom (UK) has commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna for significant improvement in security across the state.
UK’s Head of Development Cooperation at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Cynthia Rowe, made the commendation on Wednesday during the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework (K-MAF) dialogue.
She said, as a result, Kaduna has been moved from the “red” to the “amber” category in the UK’s travel advisory.
Rowe noted that “Security is a key enabler of growth and development, and Kaduna has weathered periods of heightened security challenges.”
She said the UK acknowledges the progress recorded by the state government under Sani’s leadership, adding that Kaduna will now host the UK-funded SPRiNG programme — Strengthening Peace, Resilience and Inclusive Governance.
“Building on this momentum, Kaduna will be host to the FCDO SPRiNG programme.
“SPRiNG is designed to address drivers of conflict, strengthen peacebuilding mechanisms, and support inclusive governance,” Rowe said.
She said the UK will provide tailored support through the programme to consolidate gains in peace, promote social cohesion, and help communities affected by past insecurity to recover.
“Through SPRiNG, we will share tailored support to consolidate peace gains, promote social cohesion, and help communities most affected by past insecurity thrive,” she said.
She further reiterated UK’s commitment to Kaduna’s development goals, noting ongoing collaboration with government institutions and non-government actors.
Rowe said, “The UK Government remains firmly committed to supporting Kaduna’s State development aspirations, and I am delighted to be here in Kaduna again with government colleagues, our delivery partners, and non-government stakeholders to continue to chart the way forward”.
According to her, the UK and Kaduna share a joint ambition for inclusive economic growth that improves citizens’ lives, adding that the UK will continue to work with agencies such as the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to unlock investments.
“We will do this by deepening private sector involvement and working with agencies such as the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to boost investment across critical sectors of the state’s economy for a fairer, more resilient economy,” she added.
In his keynote address, Governor Sani described the relationship between Kaduna and the UK’s development arm as one built on trust and a shared vision for progress.
“This collaboration has strengthened governance, driven development initiatives, and improved human capital and living standards.
“These joint efforts have yielded tangible results in infrastructure and social services, fostering resilience and opportunities in communities,” he said.
Sani listed some of the achievements under the K-MAF framework to include expanded access to healthcare, a reduction in maternal and child mortality, and improved emergency responses.
The governor said that in education, the state has recorded increased enrolment, better school infrastructure, improved teacher training, and expanded opportunities for entrepreneurial skills among students.
He also noted the growth in the agriculture sector, which received over 10 per cent of the 2025 budget — the highest in recent years.
