By Haruna Daniel Rex

Governor Uba Sani’s administration has, in just two years, demonstrated a remarkable commitment to inclusive development across Kaduna State, particularly in Southern Kaduna. Unlike past administrations that often sidelined the region, his leadership is fostering tangible progress in critical areas such as skills acquisition, healthcare, and education. These efforts not only address longstanding challenges but also signal a new era of collaboration between the state government and the people of Southern Kaduna.

One of the most transformative initiatives under Governor Sani’s leadership is the establishment of the Skills Acquisition Centre in Samaru Kataf. This facility is designed to equip thousands of young people with practical, in-demand skills, preparing them for a rapidly evolving job market.

For too long, unemployment and underemployment have been major concerns in Southern Kaduna. With limited industrialization and formal job opportunities, many young people have been left without viable career paths. By prioritizing vocational training, Governor Sani is not only addressing unemployment but also fostering entrepreneurship. This initiative provides the youth with tools to create jobs rather than just seek them, reinforcing a culture of self-reliance and innovation.

Healthcare has remained a major challenge in Southern Kaduna, with residents often forced to travel long distances for medical care. The establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in the region is, therefore, a game-changer. This facility will provide much-needed medical services, reducing the strain on existing healthcare institutions and saving countless lives.

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, yet it has often been out of reach for many in this region. By investing in medical infrastructure, Governor Sani is not only addressing immediate healthcare needs but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient health system that will serve future generations.

Another landmark achievement is the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna. This development is a significant milestone for the region’s educational advancement, offering young people greater access to higher learning without the burden of traveling far from home.

More importantly, the university’s focus on applied sciences aligns with the state’s vision for industrial and technological growth. In an era where knowledge-driven economies thrive, equipping students with practical and research-based skills is crucial. By bridging the gap between education and the labor market, this institution is set to drive local economic development and innovation.

The appointment of respected figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah as Pro-Chancellor and Professor Barnabas Qurix as Vice-Chancellor further reinforces the government’s commitment to making the university a center of excellence. These appointments not only recognize the intellectual contributions of Southern Kaduna but also ensure that the institution benefits from experienced and visionary leadership.

Beyond infrastructure and social development, Governor Sani’s administration has successfully built strong political alliances with key stakeholders in Southern Kaduna. Unlike previous administrations that often maintained a distant or strained relationship with the region, this government has prioritized collaboration, ensuring that Southern Kaduna has a voice in decision-making.

This growing political synergy is significant, not just for development but also for the future of governance in the state. With the 2027 elections approaching, the strengthened partnership between Southern Kaduna and the APC-led government is likely to reshape political dynamics in the region. The trust built through tangible development projects may translate into greater political support, solidifying the APC’s influence in an area where opposition parties have historically dominated.

Governor Uba Sani’s approach to governance underscores the power of partnership in driving sustainable development. His administration’s focus on skills acquisition, healthcare, and education is creating opportunities that will have long-lasting effects on the lives of the people of Southern Kaduna.

More importantly, his inclusive leadership style is fostering trust and unity, bridging political and social divides that have long hindered progress in the region. If this momentum is sustained, the future of Southern Kaduna looks promising—not just in terms of infrastructure but in fostering a thriving, self-sufficient, and politically engaged community.

As we look ahead, it is crucial for all stakeholders—government officials, community leaders, and the people of Southern Kaduna—to continue supporting and engaging in these development efforts. Progress is not achieved in isolation, and with the right partnerships, Southern Kaduna can truly experience the transformation it deserves.

The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has called on Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to ensure absolute impartiality in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who faces terrorism charges brought by the Nigerian government.

In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, AVID, along with two other US-based pro-Biafra groups—Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination—insisted that Kanu is a prisoner of conscience and should not be prosecuted, as they believe he has committed no crime.

Kanu is scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Omotosho on Friday, 21 March. The groups recalled his “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021 and his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), despite multiple court rulings in his favour.

The statement, signed by AVID President Dr Sylvester Onyia, Rising Sun President Chief Dede Maxwell, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination President Chief Engr Evans Nwankwo, expressed concern over what they described as the government’s disregard for judicial rulings.

“In July 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council, through a landmark opinion by its Working Group, declared that the appropriate remedy for Mr Kanu would be his immediate release and compensation in accordance with international law,” the statement read.

It also cited a December 2023 ruling by Nigeria’s Supreme Court, which held that the revocation of Kanu’s bail was wrongful and should be reinstated in line with Section 287(1) of the Constitution.

The groups condemned the continued prosecution of Kanu, stating that since he had been acquitted by Nigerian courts, the government had no justification for further legal action against him.

“We demand his immediate and unconditional release. The government must not pile illegality upon illegality while the world is watching,” they asserted.

The statement also urged Justice Omotosho to prioritise Kanu’s safety and remain neutral in the case. It further criticised what it described as political manoeuvring, alleging that the case had been used to create division between Nigeria’s Igbo and Yoruba communities.

“The previous administration, under Muhammadu Buhari, saw the baselessness of these charges but conveniently left them for President Tinubu’s government, possibly to sow discord between the Igbos and the Yorubas,” the groups alleged.

As Kanu’s trial approaches, the calls for his release continue to intensify, highlighting ongoing tensions over his detention and the broader agitation for Biafra.

The total disbursement of N15.26 trillion was distributed among the three tiers of government.

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed a record N15.26 trillion to the federal, state, and local governments in 2024, reflecting a 43 per cent increase from the previous year.

The surge, detailed in the latest Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative FAAC Quarterly Review, underscores the impact of key fiscal reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, which significantly boosted oil revenue remittances.

The report, presented by Ogbonnaya Orji, executive secretary of NEITI, attributed the increased disbursements to these policy changes, which reshaped the country’s revenue landscape.

According to a statement by the Acting Director, Communication and Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah, on Tuesday, it assessed the fiscal sustainability of government borrowing and the implications for oil-producing states benefiting from the 13 per cent derivation fund.

Breakdown
The total disbursement of N15.26 trillion was distributed among the three tiers of government. The federal government received N4.95 trillion, while state governments collectively received N5.81 trillion. Local government allocations amounted to N3.77 trillion.

State governments recorded the highest percentage increase, with allocations rising 62 per cent from N3.58 trillion in 2023.

Local government allocations increased by 47 per cent, while the federal government’s share rose by 24 per cent, up from N3.99 trillion in the previous year.

The fourth quarter of 2024 saw the highest quarterly disbursement on record, reaching N4.214 trillion, reflecting the impact of sustained revenue growth and fiscal policy reforms.

Key drivers
The record-high FAAC disbursements were attributed to major fiscal reforms implemented by the federal government.

The removal of fuel subsidies in mid-2023 eliminated deductions that previously reduced distributable oil revenue, leading to increased remittances to the federation account.

Exchange rate liberalisation also played a crucial role, as the depreciation of the naira boosted naira-denominated mineral revenues by over 400 per cent.

In addition, higher global crude oil prices and improved domestic production contributed to increased earnings from the petroleum sector.

Despite these gains, the report warned of inflationary pressures, rising debt servicing costs, and fiscal uncertainty for states heavily reliant on oil earnings.

NEITI emphasised the need for proactive measures to stabilise the exchange rate, curb inflation, and strengthen non-oil revenue sources to ensure long-term economic stability.

Debt deductions and fiscal sustainability
Debt servicing deductions from state allocations amounted to N800 billion, representing 12.3 per cent of total state disbursements.

Lagos State recorded the highest debt deductions, with N164.7 billion, accounting for over 20 per cent of total deductions.

Kaduna State followed with N51.2 billion, while Rivers and Bauchi also saw significant deductions of N38.6 billion and N37.2 billion, respectively.

The report raised concerns over the debt-to-revenue ratios of many states, particularly those with high debt burdens but lower revenue allocations.

NEITI urged governments to adopt conservative revenue projections to prevent budget shortfalls and improve fiscal management to ensure debt sustainability.

State-by-State analysis
Lagos State received the highest FAAC allocation in 2024, totalling N531.1 billion, followed by Delta with N450.4 billion and Rivers with N349.9 billion. Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa also ranked among the top recipients, with N329.2 billion and N270.4 billion, respectively.

Nasarawa received the lowest allocation of N108.3 billion, followed by Ebonyi with N110 billion and Ekiti with N111.9 billion. Six states—Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Kano—each received over N200 billion, collectively accounting for 33 per cent of total state allocations.

In contrast, the six lowest-receiving states accounted for only 11.5 per cent.

The report highlighted the widening fiscal disparity between states, noting that Lagos, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom collectively received N1.49 trillion, a sum more than three times the total allocation of the bottom four states—Kwara, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Nasarawa—at N442.4 billion.

Recommendations
NEITI called for improved fiscal discipline and enhanced transparency in revenue management at all levels of government.

It urged authorities to increase savings in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to mitigate future revenue shocks and to strengthen non-oil revenue generation to reduce dependence on FAAC allocations.

The report also recommended measures to stabilise the exchange rate, curb inflation, and ensure conservative budgeting for crude oil production and pricing.

It further stressed the need for governments to prioritise job creation, poverty reduction, and economic stability while maintaining fiscal transparency in line with Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) commitments.

NEITI reiterated the importance of leveraging its findings to hold all levels of government accountable for the prudent management of public funds, particularly revenues generated from the extractive industries.