Uba Sani launches Kaduna ultra-poor graduation programme to tackle poverty

Governor Uba Sani has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Kaduna State a model for evidence-based, people-focused social protection in Nigeria and across Africa.

Speaking at the official launch of the Kaduna State Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme (KADUPG), the governor described the initiative as a bold and transformative step towards eradicating poverty and empowering the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

“Through the Kaduna State Social Investment Programme Agency (KADSIPA), we have built one of Nigeria’s most credible social registers, covering over one million poor and vulnerable households,” Sani said.

“KADUPG builds on this foundation and represents a new phase in our fight against poverty.”

The governor explained that KADUPG is designed to support those living on less than $3 a day, with a particular focus on women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

He emphasized that the programme is not just another intervention but a movement to transform lives and promote resilience.

KADUPG adopts the globally acclaimed Graduation Approach, successfully implemented in countries such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Philippines.

The model combines several key interventions—cash transfers, financial inclusion, livelihood training, savings mobilization, mentoring, and market access—to help poor households transition from dependency to self-reliance within a few years.

Governor Sani outlined the programme’s core objectives, including:

Empowering ultra-poor households to start small businesses and become economically self-sufficient.

Building resilience against inflation, climate change, and health crises.

Improving nutrition, education, and health outcomes.

Institutionalizing a sustainable, government-led poverty reduction model.

He noted that beneficiaries will first receive temporary cash support to stabilize their consumption before being provided with startup assets or capital to establish microenterprises.

They will also undergo business and financial management training, with field mentors offering continuous guidance and linking participants to cooperatives, financial institutions, and relevant government services.

Governor Sani expressed appreciation to development partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), Village Enterprise, AMA Foundation, and various local civil society organizations for their collaboration.

He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support in advancing Nigeria’s social protection framework.

“This programme is not just a pilot—it is a commitment to scale what works, build strong institutions, and invest in our people as our greatest asset,” he affirmed.

He urged local government councils to actively support the initiative, describing them as “the vital bridge between policy and people.”

With KADUPG, Kaduna State aims to create a sustainable, inclusive pathway out of poverty—one that empowers its citizens, strengthens communities, and sets a benchmark for social protection in Africa.