UK applauds Uba Sani for advancing security in Kaduna

The United Kingdom has commended Governor Uba Sani for his strides in improving security in Kaduna State, a development that prompted the UK government to upgrade the state’s travel advisory status from red to amber.

The recognition was announced by the Head of UK Development Cooperation at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ms. Cynthia Rowe, during the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework Dialogue on Wednesday.

Delivering her goodwill message, Ms. Rowe described security as a critical driver of development, noting that Kaduna has successfully navigated a period of heightened insecurity.

She credited the governor’s leadership for the significant progress achieved.

She further revealed that Kaduna would host the FCDO’s SPRiNG programme (Strengthening Peace, Resilience and Inclusive Governance), designed to address conflict drivers, bolster peacebuilding structures, and promote inclusive governance.

“Through SPRiNG, we will provide tailored support to consolidate peace gains, strengthen social cohesion, and empower communities most affected by insecurity to thrive,” she said.

Rowe reiterated the UK’s commitment to Kaduna’s development agenda, stressing that the UK will continue to work closely with the state government, private sector players, and civil society groups to foster growth and prosperity.

According to her, the UK intends to deepen investment partnerships through agencies such as the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to build a fairer, more resilient economy.

In his keynote address, Governor Sani highlighted the deepening collaboration between Kaduna State and the FCDO, describing it as a partnership built on trust and shared goals.

He noted that the joint efforts have strengthened governance, improved infrastructure and social services, and enhanced human capital development.

The governor listed the achievements of the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (K-MAF), including expanded healthcare access, reduced maternal and child mortality, and stronger responses to public health emergencies.

In education, he said, Kaduna has recorded higher school enrolment, improved facilities, better teacher training, and enhanced learning outcomes, including the integration of entrepreneurial skills.

On agriculture, Governor Sani revealed that the sector now receives over 10 percent of the 2025 state budget—the highest in recent years.

The increased funding, he explained, is aimed at boosting crop and livestock productivity through smallholder support, climate-smart agriculture, and value chain development, in alignment with FCDO and other partners’ interventions.