Knowledge gap or deliberate misinformation? Scrutinizing Kaduna’s fiscal narrative

Recent discourse surrounding Kaduna State’s financial management has raised critical questions regarding the administration of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) under Governor Uba Sani. Compounding these concerns are allegations of an inexperienced Accountant General, whose focus appears misdirected towards extraneous matters rather than substantive governance.

The foundation of this debate lies in the significant IGR growth achieved during former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s tenure. Upon assuming office in 2015, the state’s IGR stood at a reported ₦12 billion annually. Through strategic reforms, including technology-driven tax collection and enforcement under the leadership of Dr. Zaid Abubakar, a renowned tax administrator, this figure reportedly surpassed ₦50 billion by 2021, representing a substantial increase. This placed Kaduna among Nigeria’s top-performing states in IGR generation.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates Kaduna State’s 2023 IGR was approximately ₦58.09 billion. Further bolstering the state’s financial position are allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). Recent statements from Mr. Zakari Jamilu Muhammad, Head of Communications at the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), corroborate this, citing a total of ₦71 billion generated in 2024, with January and February 2025 collections amounting to ₦7.46 billion and ₦6.68 billion, respectively. These figures suggest ample revenue to cover debt servicing, salaries, and ongoing infrastructure projects initiated by the previous administration.

However, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has attributed project slowdowns and even stoppages to excessive debt servicing, deviating from promises of “Consolidation and Continuity” of El-Rufai’s infrastructural, economic, and social development. This assertion has been met with skepticism, particularly given KADIRS’s reported revenue figures. The discrepancy between substantial reported IGR and claims of crippling debt obligations begs the question: where are the funds being allocated?

Moreover, inconsistencies plague the administration’s justifications for stalled projects. While citing debt servicing as a constraint, they simultaneously tout record revenue generation. This contradiction raises concerns about financial transparency. Allegations have also emerged that the current administration’s reluctance to continue ongoing El-Rufai era projects in Zaria, Kafanchan, and Kaduna is motivated by the desire to secure kickbacks, with specific claims regarding the re-awarding of the Kabala-Barnawa road contract.

The administration’s credibility is further challenged by questionable claims, such as the construction of 700 kilometers of roads and the establishment of six new science secondary schools. These assertions have been debunked, with evidence indicating that the road projects were initiated under Governor Namadi Sambo and revived by El-Rufai, while the science schools were also El-Rufai initiatives nearing completion.
Similarly, the World Bank-backed Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and the Kabala-Barnawa road project have been misrepresented, with the administration claiming a lower completion percentage than engineering realities suggest.

These inconsistencies point to a potential knowledge gap or, more concerningly, a deliberate effort to misinform the public. The Uba Sani administration’s emphasis on media propaganda and PR stunts over transparent governance is a disservice to the people of Kaduna.

To ensure an accurate assessment of Kaduna State’s financial health, reliance on verified data from reputable sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) is crucial. However, the current unavailability of KADIPA’s website restricts public access to vital information.

In conclusion, while El-Rufai’s administration implemented significant financial reforms that bolstered Kaduna’s IGR, the present government’s conflicting statements and lack of transparency demand rigorous scrutiny. The people of Kaduna deserve accountability and factual representation, not political theatrics and misinformation. Governor Uba Sani’s administration must align its narratives with verifiable data and prioritize its responsibilities to the state.

Written by Kaduna Accountability and Action Group.

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