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Articles by Benjamin Agesan
Kaduna 2027: APC defections test Ashiru’s grassroots support as Sani targets 3m votes
The defection of prominent former allies of ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is testing the opposition’s grassroots strength ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election, as Governor Uba Sani raises his party’s vote target to three million.
Kaduna to establish post-basic nursing college in Rigasa
Governor Uba Sani has signed an executive bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Post-Basic Nursing Sciences in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area, to address the shortage of specialist nurses and to improve medical services. A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed that the bill was signed on Wednesday, as a strategic investment in skilled manpower development under the Governor’s ongoing health sector reforms.
El-Rufai, ADC governorship candidate Ashiru appear together at Kaduna court
The appearance of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai alongside Isa Ashiru, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, at the Kaduna State High Court on Tuesday has drawn fresh political attention to the state’s emerging contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Kaduna upgrades 17 PHCs as N147.9bn health budget faces impact test
Kaduna State Government is upgrading 17 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) as it deploys part of a N147.9 billion health allocation in its 2026 budget, putting renewed focus on whether increased spending can translate into faster emergency referrals, greater access to basic healthcare and measurable productivity gains for households and the State economy.
Kaduna’s 2027 budget prioritises early childhood, agriculture and health
Kaduna State is putting early childhood development, agriculture, health and education at the centre of its proposed 2027 budget, with the government seeking to consolidate its human-capital programmes while strengthening food production and essential public services.
Kaduna BRT targets Q1 2027 take-off, 20,000 jobs, lower fares
Kaduna State’s planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is targeting take-off in the first quarter of 2027, with project officials estimating that it could generate 10,000 to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, lower commuting costs and support cleaner urban transportation.
Kaduna clears N18bn pension arrears, but total liability remains hidden
Kaduna State says it has cleared about N18 billion of the pension and gratuity arrears inherited by the Uba Sani administration, but has yet to publicly disclose a consolidated figure for its outstanding pension and gratuity obligations as of September 2026.
Kaduna’s out-of-school crisis: Can $62.8m return 100,000 children to classrooms?
Kaduna State is deploying a $62.8 million Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) programme to return 100,000 children to formal and non-formal learning over four years, after a household mapping exercise identified 187,719 children outside the education system across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Nutrition is central to human capital development – Sani
Governor Uba Sani places nutrition as an important component of his administration’s development agenda because it is important in making children realise their full potentials. The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe, further sated that a child who is well nourished has a better opportunity to grow, learn and survive. ‘’Consequently, investing in nutrition is not simply an investment in health; it is an investment in the future of our dear State and Country,’’ she added.
State police bill in limbo as assemblies await transmission
…Governors hold key to 24-state threshold Nigeria’s proposed state police system has gotten off to an uneven start, with several Houses of Assembly yet to receive the Constitution amendment bill from the National Assembly, while others that have received it are awaiting further procedural steps before opening debate. The fate of state police now rests with the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Kaduna APC seeks police probe as 2027 campaign tensions escalate
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the police and other security agencies to investigate alleged attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party and support-group offices as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections. The party alleged that vehicles were vandalised at its premises while some of its members and supporters were assaulted and intimidated in other parts of the state.
Olam expands $150m Nigeria feed business into cattle market
Olam Agri is expanding its Nigerian animal-feed business into cattle production with the launch of its “True Value” beef and dairy cattle feed, building on its $150 million investment in Nigeria’s animal-feed and poultry value chain as the company targets a livestock market with tens of millions of cattle, sheep and goats.
High-stakes battle for 28 states brews as governorship, assembly campaigns kick off Wednesday
…Parties, candidates yet to unveil campaign councils …Nigerians demand issue-based campaigns, warn against violence Political parties across the country are stepping up preparations for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections as campaigns officially kick off on Wednesday, with defections, internal crises, alliances, grassroots mobilisation and incumbency emerging as major factors in the contest.
Uba Sani urges governments to patronise locally assembled Peugeot vehicles
Uba Sani, Kaduna State Governor, has called on federal and state governments to increase patronage of vehicles assembled by Dangote Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (DPAN) Limited, saying government procurement can help sustain local manufacturing, protect jobs and deepen economic activity in the automotive sector.
Kaduna Assembly moves to regulate rents as rising housing costs squeeze households
The Kaduna State House of Assembly is considering legislation to regulate residential rents across the state as rising accommodation costs put increasing pressure on household incomes and living standards. The bill, sponsored by the Speaker, Yusuf Dahiru Liman, seeks to establish a regulatory framework for residential rent charges while protecting tenants from excessive demands and preserving the legitimate interests of landlords and property owners.
Nigeria’s revenue hits N21.6trn in H1 2026, up by 49% — Uba Sani
Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, has said that Nigeria generated approximately N21.6 trillion in revenue in the first half of 2026, representing a 49% increase over the corresponding period of 2025. Sani stated this on Wednesday in Kaduna at the 160th edition of the Joint Revenue Board meeting, themed “One Year of Tax Reform: Assessing Progress and Addressing Challenges”.
States fast-track tax harmonisation as nine-head framework takes shape
Nineteen states have domesticated the Model Taxes and Levies Act as the Federal Government moves to harmonise tax administration nationwide and reduce the number of tax and levy heads to nine. The reform is expected to curb multiple and overlapping collections, eliminate illegal tax collection practices and reduce compliance costs for businesses and traders operating across states.
NDLEA arrest 140 suspects, seizes 816.506kg of Illicit drugs in Kaduna
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command, arrested 140 suspected drug offenders and seized 816.506kg of assorted illicit drugs during operations across the State in August. Maijama’a Muhammad, NDLEA Commander in Kaduna, disclosed the figures in a statement issued by Sani Garba, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics and the Command’s Press Officer, on Monday in Kaduna.
Police, Vigilance Service dismantle bandit camps in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command in its sustained efforts to deny bandits freedom of movement an ensure safety and security of all persons and properties in the State have dismantled bandit camps in the State.
Kurmin Kaduna seeks military base, 24-hour patrols over kidnapping threats
Peace Revival Awareness, Kurmin Kaduna chapter, has urged the Federal and Kaduna State governments to establish a permanent military security outpost in the community and deploy 24-hour patrols to counter persistent kidnapping and banditry threats. The group said the insecurity was disrupting farming, movement and other economic activities in Kurmin Kaduna and neighbouring communities, while exposing residents to the risk of abduction and displacement.
Kaduna launches new session enrolment drive to address out-of-school challenge
The Kaduna State Government has launched a campaign to enrol children for the 2026/2027 academic session, weeks after identifying 187,719 out-of-school children through its latest education census and mapping exercise. The campaign led by the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), commenced on Wednesday with a sensitisation walk in Kaduna. During the exercise, officials engaged parents, guardians and community members on the importance of enrolling school-age children.
Two kidnapped, two killed in fresh Kaduna community attack
…As Police rescue 75 kidnapped victims Two people were reportedly killed, while two others were kidnapped when suspected bandits attacked Abu Community in Ninzo Chiefdom, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., has heightened security concerns in the community, with the traditional institution calling for intensified surveillance and the activation of community vigilance groups.
Two kidnapped, two killed in fresh attack on Abu community
Two persons were reportedly killed while two others were kidnapped when suspected bandits attacked Abu community in Ninzo Chiefdom, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., has heightened security concerns in the community, with the traditional institution calling for intensified surveillance and the activation of community vigilance groups.
Women should be regarded as agents of peace, not victims — Kaduna Commissioner
Rabiu Salisu, Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs has said that women should be regarded as agents of peace rather than merely victims of conflict. The commissioner made this known on Thursday at ASAP Pyramids Hotel, Kaduna, during a one-day strategic planning meeting with the Kaduna State Action Plan (KASAP) Implementation Committee on Women, Peace and Security.
Poor sanitation in Nigerian cities worsening health issues
A few years ago, a World Bank’s report raised an alarm on Nigeria’s water and environmental challenges, decrying that the country loses N455 billion, about 1.3 percent of GDP, annually to poor sanitation. As well, Clean Nigeria Campaign, an initiative of the Federal Government, re-echoed the alarm as little or nothing has been done to curb the huge loss, which comes through illness, flood from blocked drainages, low productivity and lost learning opportunities for the vulnerable.
Expert seeks stronger community intelligence to check North-West security
Nigeria needs stronger community intelligence networks to help security agencies detect kidnapping and other violent threats earlier and limit disruption to farming, trade and transportation in the North-West, security expert, Ken Nwachukwu, has said.
Insecurity threatens Kaduna’s agricultural investment drive
Insecurity is emerging as a major operational risk to Kaduna State’s efforts to expand agricultural production and attract agro-industrial investment, after at least nine farmers were killed and several others abducted in an attack on farmland in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The July 4 attack occurred around Kakangi as farmers worked on their fields during the wet-season farming period.
Insecurity threatens Kaduna’s agricultural investment drive
Insecurity is emerging as a major operational risk to Kaduna State’s efforts to expand agricultural production and attract agro-industrial investment, after at least nine farmers were killed and several others abducted in an attack on farmland in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The July 4 attack occurred around Kakangi as farmers worked on their fields during the wet-season farming period.
Arewa Group rolls out action plan against insecurity
The Arewa Cohesion for Unity, Peace and Development Initiative (ACI) has unveiled an enforcement-driven action plan to tackle insecurity across Northern Nigeria, warning that continued killings, kidnapping and displacement are undermining the region’s economy and threatening its social stability.
Kaduna Catholic Priest backs Uba Sani’s inclusive governance, warns of rising bandit occupation of rural communities
The National Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Kaduna Chapter, has endorsed Governor Uba Sani’s inclusive style of governance and recent political decisions while warning that worsening insecurity in parts of Southern Kaduna is undermining the state’s peace gains, with some rural communities allegedly forced to pay taxes and submit to armed bandits operating as a “parallel government.” In a statement delivered on Tuesday during the association’s annual Patron Saint’s Day...
Middle Belt Forum backs Onaiyekan, says tackling poverty, insecurity critical to economic recovery
Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has thrown its weight behind Cardinal Onaiyekan’s and the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), warning that Nigeria’s worsening poverty and persistent insecurity are eroding economic productivity, undermining livelihoods and threatening national stability.
Tinubu flags off N178bn Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway, boosting trade, investment prospects
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday flagged off the construction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, a N178.12 billion federal infrastructure project expected to strengthen trade, reduce transport costs, restore economic activities and deepen investment across one of Kaduna State’s strategic agricultural and commercial corridors.
Kaduna targets stronger breastfeeding support as investment in human capital
The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding breastfeeding and maternal nutrition programmes, describing optimal infant feeding as a strategic investment in human capital capable of improving education outcomes, workforce productivity and long-term socio-economic development.
Uba Sani’s running mate choice reshapes Kaduna’s 2027 political equation, raises religious debate
Governor Uba Sani’s decision to nominate Jerry Adams, a Christian from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election has emerged as one of the most consequential political calculations ahead of Nigeria’s next general election, with analysts suggesting the move could significantly strengthen the ruling APC’s electoral prospects by broadening its support base.
Northern Nigeria at a crossroads: Why economic renewal depends on education, leadership
Northern Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its history, where the region’s future prosperity will depend less on political rhetoric and more on deliberate investments in human capital, institutional reforms and ethical leadership. Economists and development experts argue that no economy can compete in the twenty-first century without a skilled workforce, quality education and leaders committed to the public good.
Kaduna governor picks State tax boss as 2027 running mate, signals continuity of reform agenda
Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, has named the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Jerry Adams, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, a move expected to reinforce the administration’s fiscal reform agenda and signal policy continuity as the state pursues economic growth, investment and inclusive governance.
Kaduna Federal varsity targets higher IGR in five-year reform plan
The Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, Kaduna State, has launched a five-year strategic plan aimed at expanding its internally generated revenue (IGR), accelerating digital transformation and strengthening research-commercialisation, in a move expected to enhance the institution’s financial sustainability and improve the quality of teacher education.
NNDC unveils five-year growth plan as assets rise to N31.4bn
The New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) has unveiled a five-year transformation strategy aimed at unlocking investment across key sectors of Northern Nigeria, as the regional investment firm reported stronger financial fundamentals with total assets rising 12.7 percent to N31.43 billion and shareholders’ equity increasing 11.9 percent to N29.95 billion.
30 people reportedly killed in fresh attack in Kaduna
At least 30 people have reportedly been confirmed dead following a fresh attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Sunday night. The attack has plunged the community into mourning, with concerns that the death toll could rise as authorities continue to assess the situation and gather more information. The incident is yet another tragic reminder of the persistent insecurity affecting vulnerable communities in Kauru LGA and other parts of the state.
Kaduna targets 100,000 pupils’ return as out-of-school children hit 187,719
The Kaduna State Government has identified 187,719 out-of-school children through a comprehensive household mapping exercise, providing detailed data to guide targeted investments in education, school infrastructure and poverty interventions aimed at boosting human capital development.
Kaduna unveils data on 187,719 out-of-school children, targets return of 100,000 pupils
Kaduna State has identified 187,719 out-of-school children through a comprehensive household mapping exercise, providing the government with detailed data to guide targeted investments in education, school infrastructure and poverty interventions aimed at boosting human capital development.
Kaduna to benefit from $500m FG agricultural programme as AGROW enters implementation
Kaduna State is set to benefit from the Federal Government’s US$500 million Sustainable Agricultural Value Chain for Growth (AGROW) Programme, a major agricultural intervention expected to stimulate investment, improve productivity, strengthen food security and create jobs across participating states.
N8.05bn budget for Churches, Mosques split Nigerians
…Atiku fumes, queries FG …Skewed sharing formula attracts criticisms …As citizens question govt involvement in pilgrimage …Northern Christian group cries foul Nigerians are outraged over the discrepancies in the 2026 budget which includes N8.05 billion for churches and mosques.
Northern Christians demand explanation over disparity in FG’s N8.05bn religious projects
The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has challenged the Federal Government to explain what it described as the glaring disparity in the allocation of about N8.05 billion for Church and Mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, saying the imbalance raises serious concerns about equity, fairness and equal treatment of all Nigerians irrespective of their religious affiliation.
Kaduna reviews revenue performance of 52 MDAs to boost budget implementation, economic growth
The Kaduna State Government has commenced a three-day mid-year review of the revenue performance of its 52 revenue-generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in a move aimed at improving internally generated revenue, strengthening fiscal accountability and ensuring effective implementation of the 2026 budget.
Northern christians fault proposed bill on vehicle preaching, says National Assembly should focus on insecurity, poverty
Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (NCA), has criticised the proposed legislation seeking to restrict preaching in commercial vehicles, describing it as a misplaced priority that threatens Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and religion.
Tinubu’s same-faith ticket reignites debate across Northern Nigeria ahead of 2027:
…Performance, inclusion divide opinions The controversy over the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket began in 2022 after the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced Kashim Shettima, former Borno State governor, also a Muslim, as his running mate for the 2023 election.
Nigeria targets textile revival with Kaduna factory overhaul plan
…eyes mass jobs, export growth The federal government has unveiled plans for a complete overhaul of struggling textile assets in Kaduna and across the country as part of efforts to restore Nigeria’s textile and garment industry to its former glory and generate mass employment. This was announced in Kaduna during a stakeholder engagement on the National Cotton Textile and Garment Industrial Transformation Program by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Kaduna 2027: Can APC retain power as Uba Sani weighs ticket options and political realignments?
With the 2027 general elections still months away, political calculations are already reshaping Kaduna State, where the ruling (APC) faces one of its toughest electoral tests. At the centre of the unfolding contest are the governor’s expected re-election bid, growing debate over the party’s likely deputy governorship candidate, and shifting alliances that could determine control of the state’s three senatorial districts.
Muslim-Muslim tickets debate returns as Northern Groups warn APC of 2027 electoral risks
As political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, growing opposition from several northern groups to the possibility of the All Progressives Congress (APC) retaining a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket is emerging as one of the party’s biggest political challenges, with analysts warning that the controversy could influence voting patterns, deepen religious divisions and reshape Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
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