Uba Sani: When development comes with human face
Kaduna State under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani is witnessing a transformative approach to urban development that prioritizes humanity alongside infrastructure. This is a statement of fact. This approach
- By Edmond Musa Turaki
Kaduna State under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani is witnessing a transformative approach to urban development that prioritizes humanity alongside infrastructure. This is a statement of fact. This approach to governance, as a policy, marks a radical and significant departure from previous practices. Recently, Governor Uba Sani approved the disbursement of approximately N2.85 billion in compensation to families affected by road construction projects across the state. This move not only fulfills legal obligations but also embodies a commitment to empathy, compassion and ensuring that progress does not trample on the dignity of the citizens.
The urban landscape in Kaduna has long demanded modernization. With a growing population and aging infrastructure, roads have become choke points for economic activity and daily life. Projects like township road expansions are essential for easing traffic, boosting trade, and improving access to services. However, such developments often require land acquisition, leading to demolitions of homes and businesses.
In the past, these processes have sparked controversy, leaving many residents displaced and destitute. Governor Uba Sani’s administration is, however, redefining this narrative by embedding compassion into the core of governance. It would be recalled that during the previous administration of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s tenure from 2015 to 2023, Kaduna underwent some urban renewal. That era was characterized by demolitions which the government always justified under the blanket banner of “overriding public interest.” It was fashionable then for the government to argue that reclaiming state-owned property was crucial for broader societal benefits.
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For instance, in 2016, thousands of homes in Gbagyi Villa faced demolition threats without prior consultation or offers of alternative housing and compensation. Residents reported that structures were marked for demolition amid ongoing legal disputes, but the then governor publicly countered that illegal buildings “will have to go” regardless. Critics, including human rights organizations like Amnesty International, condemned these actions as violations of due process, highlighting how they exacerbated poverty and social unrest. Many affected families received little to no compensation, forcing them into makeshift accommodations or financial ruin. Reports from that period detail instances where demolitions proceeded without adequate restitution, prioritizing expediency over individual rights. This approach bred resentment and eroded public trust in government institutions.
With the coming of Governor Uba Sani in May 2023, the situation has changed dramatically following his pledge to govern with inclusivity and fairness. His approach and unspoken policy are rooted in the belief that progress must uplift, not undermine, the people it serves. In a recent address during the flag-off of compensation distribution in Rigasa, Sani articulated this vision eloquently: “Development must not come at the expense of citizens’ happiness and comfort.” He further emphasized, “Our administration is grounded in dialogue, transparency, and compassion. In this spirit, development is not imposed; it is achieved collectively, delivering benefits that will endure for generations.”
Governor UIba Sani’s words directly rebuke the past practices, vowing, “We will not demolish homes or dispossess any citizen without fair and adequate compensation. Nor will we disguise expediency in the language of ‘Overriding Public Interest.’ Public interest must never eclipse private rights without just restitution.” This statement is a clear pivot, acknowledging that while public interest is vital, it cannot justify injustice. Governor Uba Sani reiterated this during the compensation event: “From the outset, we resolved that development must never proceed at the expense of justice. No family would be displaced without fair and adequate recompense.”
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By framing development as a collaborative endeavor, Governor Uba Sani aims to foster trust and participation, turning potential adversaries into partners in progress.
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The recent compensation payout exemplifies this policy in action. Totaling about N2.85 billion, the funds have been distributed to hundreds of households impacted by various road projects. In Rigasa alone, 189 families received cheques for properties affected by the construction of key township roads: Makera Road, Lokoja Road, Ado Gwaram Road, and the Asmau Makarfi Spur. These roads, which groundbreaking occurred in early September, 2025, are part of a broader initiative to enhance connectivity in densely populated areas.
Beyond Rigasa, the compensation extends to other critical corridors. Approximately 120 households in Mahuta were paid for disruptions caused by the Rabah Road project. In Zaria, 282 families from Magajiya to Albarkawa received various compensations. Other beneficiaries include 14 households along the Audi to Kako route, 86 from Dogon Bauchi to Kakiyeyi, and 33 along the Kabala Costain corridor. Other ongoing projects, such as those in Kakuri, Barnawa, Pan Drive, Raba–Rigasa, and the Kabala–Aliyu Makama axis, have also seen compensations, reviving stalled works inherited from the previous administration. These initiatives, once bogged down by unpaid liabilities, are now advancing toward completion, stimulating local economies and restoring livelihoods.
The impact of this administrative approach to governance extends far beyond financial payouts. For affected residents, the compensation provides a lifeline—enabling them to relocate, rebuild, or invest in new opportunities. One can imagine the relief of a family in Rigasa, whose home was in the path of the Makera Road expansion, now holding a cheque that acknowledges their loss and supports their future. This human-centered approach mitigates the trauma of displacement, turning what could be a source of bitterness into an example of equitable governance.
Moreover, Governor Uba Sani’s strategy builds long-term societal benefits. By prioritizing dialogue and transparency, the administration reduces conflicts that often arise from forced evictions. In the words of the governor, “We have upheld the same standard; compensating affected households... bringing total compensation to approximately N2.85 billion.” This consistency fosters public confidence, encouraging citizens to support development projects rather than resist them.
In a state historically plagued by ethnic and religious tensions, Governor Uba Sani’s approach has now been seen as one of such policies which promote unity and stability. Critics might argue that generous compensations strain state budgets, but Governor Uba Sani has countered this by viewing them as investments in people. “No citizen would be made to suffer unjustly in the name of development,” he declared. This philosophy aligns with global best practices, where sustainable development integrates social justice. In Kaduna, it means roads are built not just with asphalt and concrete, but with the consent and well-being of the community.
Looking ahead, Governor Uba Sani’s approach sets a precedent for other Nigerian states. As urbanization accelerates, leaders must balance growth with humanity. By rejecting the expediency of the past and embracing compassionate governance, Kaduna is paving the way—literally and figuratively—for a more inclusive future. Governor Uba Sani’s commitment ensures that development wears a human face, where progress and people walk hand in hand.
The N2.85 billion compensation initiative is more than a financial transaction; it’s a statement of values. As Governor Uba Sani poignantly stated, “We will not cloak expediency in the language of ‘Overriding Public Interest.” This resolve marks a new chapter for Kaduna State, one where infrastructure rises without crushing the spirits beneath it. The roads of tomorrow will bear witness to this enduring legacy of fairness and foresight.
•Turaki, writes from Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
