Uba Sani Transforms Kaduna's Fiscal Landscape

Uba Sani took office as Governor of Kaduna State on May 29, 2023, inheriting a precarious financial situation with an estimated $587 million in foreign debt, ₦85 billion in local obligations, and ₦115 billion in contractual liabilities. The state's debt servicing obligations exceeded its federal account receipts, making it impossible to pay salaries without borrowing.

Instead of resorting to new loans, Sani implemented fiscal discipline and reforms, resulting in the repayment of ₦90 billion of inherited debt over three years. His administration prioritized transparency and accountability, earning Kaduna State recognition as one of Nigeria's most transparent states according to the MacArthur Foundation's fiscal transparency index.

Sani's reforms included tax system improvements, expanding the tax net, and enhancing revenue collection, which increased the state's internally generated revenue from ₦5 billion monthly to projected figures of ₦62.48 billion in 2023, ₦71 billion in 2024, and ₦90 billion in 2026. His administration has attracted investments worth $2.5 billion, marking a significant turnaround for the state.