Uba Sani to North West Commission: ‘Let’s work together to succeed’

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has called on the North West Development Commission (NWDC) to collaborate closely with governors of the region to achieve meaningful and sustainable development.

He gave the charge when the commission’s board, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Abdullahi, paid a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

Governor Sani emphasized that success for the commission would be difficult without working hand-in-hand with the elected state leaders, who best understand the unique developmental gaps across the region.

“As elected governors, we know where our states are lagging. If you create programmes without our input, they may not succeed because the people will not own or support them,” the governor cautioned.

He urged the commission to carry out thorough needs assessments by engaging citizens directly through town hall meetings and consultations, stressing that grassroots input and gubernatorial collaboration are essential for impactful programming.

“Even we as governors do not have a monopoly on wisdom,” he said. “Engaging with critical stakeholders, setting clear plans and timelines, and implementing wholistic programmes are key. If you follow this path, history and posterity will be kind to you.”

Governor Sani also pledged full support to the commission, offering it office space and a utility vehicle to ease its operations in Kaduna State.

In his remarks, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Abdullahi assured the governor of the commission’s commitment to partnering with North West governors for strategic interventions. He explained that the NWDC is mandated to focus on “intervention, collaboration, and support,” and said the board would rely on the guidance of the governors to shape impactful initiatives.

He acknowledged that the commission is still in its early stages but revealed that many operational hurdles have been overcome, with full-scale activities expected to commence in the coming months.

To ensure long-term progress, Alhaji Lawal proposed the development of a 10-year regional development plan in collaboration with the governors, which he believes will bring lasting benefits to the people of the North West.