Gov. Sani nominated for Infrastructure Champion award

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has been nominated for the 2025 Infrastructure Champion of the Year award by Independent Newspaper.

The nomination recognises the governor’s infrastructure drive, particularly in road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state.

According to analysts, the recognition reflects the administration’s approach to infrastructure development through strategic, people-focused projects aimed at improving connectivity and economic activity.

They noted that within three years, the Sani administration has initiated about 150 road projects covering approximately 1,345 kilometres across all 23 local government areas—an expansion compared to previous years when several LGAs reportedly lacked completed road projects.

The projects span the three senatorial zones, with a mix of completed and ongoing works. Several long-abandoned projects—some inactive for over a decade—have also been revived and completed.

In rural areas, roads such as the Turawa–Dinya route in Soba LGA have improved mobility for farmers, while the Pambeguwa–Kauru road, featuring a bridge, has enhanced economic links between Kubau and Kauru LGAs.

Urban infrastructure has also seen upgrades, including road improvements in Zaria and internal road networks within Ahmadu Bello University, as well as access routes to the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.

Commercial centres have benefited from completed township roads in Sabon Gari and other LGAs, alongside ongoing projects aimed at strengthening local economies.

Flagship projects highlighted include the Gadan Gayan–Gwaraji–Kujama road—described as one of the longest completed in the state in over two decades—and the Bagoma–Gagumi road in Birnin Gwari. Key urban expansion projects, such as the Millennium City Ring Road and major dual carriageways, are also ongoing.

In Southern Kaduna, completed and ongoing road projects are improving access to healthcare facilities, markets, and tourist locations, including routes linked to Matsirga Waterfalls.

Reacting to the nomination, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Abdullahi Baba Ahmad, described the state’s infrastructure strategy as continuous and inclusive.

“This isn’t episodic—it’s continuous, inclusive, and purposeful,” he said, adding that projects are prioritised around markets, hospitals, universities, and industrial hubs.

According to the organisers, Governor Sani is nominated alongside four other governors. The winner will be announced at the 2025 Independent Awards ceremony scheduled to hold on April 18, 2026, at the Eko Hotel & Suites.

The event, marking the silver jubilee edition of the awards, will be chaired by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, while the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will serve as Royal Father of the Day.