Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has revealed that over N18 billion has been disbursed directly into 1 million accounts of Kaduna citizens as part of a bold, targeted financial inclusion strategy aimed at reducing poverty, boosting productivity, and enhancing security across the state.
Speaking at the opening of the Kaduna Economic and Financial Inclusion Summit (KEFIS 2025) held at Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna, the governor said the disbursement—channeled through agencies such as KADSIPA, KADEDA, the Cash Transfer Office, and the Planning & Budget Commission—covers a range of interventions, from inputs to farmers to direct cash support for vulnerable households.
“With around 3.5 million people, mostly in rural areas, previously excluded from the financial system, this administration took it as a matter of urgency to drive inclusion,” Governor Sani stated.
“Through coordinated efforts, we’ve opened 2.5 million bank accounts and linked 7 million NINs to support identity verification and digital transactions.”
The governor added that the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme alone has benefited over 23,382 Kaduna residents, with more than N1.168 billion disbursed to small businesses, marking a significant step in MSME empowerment.
Stakeholders said Kaduna’s groundbreaking move to issue Nigeria’s first Executive Order on Financial Inclusion early in the administration has set it apart, earning the state selection as a pilot for the Federal Government’s National Financial Inclusion Programme.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, hailed the initiative, noting, “If there is any state to lead the conversation on economic and financial inclusion, it is Kaduna.”
As Kaduna ramps up efforts to digitally onboard its citizens—producing 10,000 residency cards through KADRIMA—the state is positioning itself as a national model in using financial inclusion as a tool for security, equity, and economic growth.
APC sak