Uba Sani’s Strategy of Kaduna Workforce Recalibration

By Nasir Dambatta

In a remarkable shift in governance, Governor Uba Sani’s administration in Kaduna State has pioneered a process of comprehensive overhaul of its civil service. Under Sani’s leadership, the state has emerged as a national frontrunner in public sector reform, demonstrating an unbeatable commitment to efficiency, transparency, and professionalism.

His strategy, which combines advanced training for civil servants with a shift towards digital automation, is setting a new standard for governance across Nigeria and beyond.

The centerpiece of this bold strategy is the two-day capacity-building workshop that recently took place in Kaduna. For the first time in the Northern region, the state organized such an extensive training programme aimed at strengthening the administrative, financial, and procedural competencies of government employees. Spearheaded by the office of the Head of Service and the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor —Professor Bello Ayuba — the workshop featured top-tier resource persons, including esteemed professors from Nigeria’s leading universities, such as Bayero University and UniAbuja, as well as seasoned bureaucrats with decades of experience in public sector management.

This workshop was not just a training exercise; it was a transformative event aimed at reshaping the very structure of Kaduna’s civil service. The workshop’s curriculum focused on equipping civil servants with the tools to navigate the modern demands of public administration—balancing traditional bureaucratic functions with the efficiency expected in the digital age.

From financial management to administrative procedures, the workshop served as a deep dive into the complexities of governance, positioning Kaduna’s public servants as skilled, forward-thinking professionals ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.

One of the critical elements of this strategy is the digitalization of Kaduna’s civil service. With over 70% of government services already automated, the state is making bold strides in improving both efficiency and accessibility. By reducing manual processes, the state has not only streamlined operations but also enhanced service delivery, making public services more responsive and transparent. This digitization initiative is in line with the global trend of embracing technology to improve government operations and public sector management, and Kaduna is leading the charge in Nigeria.

This commitment to digital innovation has been met with recognition at the national level. Recently, Kaduna was awarded second runner-up in ICT Human Capital Development at the 12th National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. This accolade is proof of the state’s success in blending technological advancements with the development of human capital—a combination that has propelled Kaduna to the forefront of Nigeria’s governance transformation.

The impact of these initiatives extends far beyond the civil service itself. By equipping the workforce with modern skills and embracing digital solutions, Governor Sani’s administration is creating a more efficient government that is better equipped to serve the people of Kaduna.

The training workshops are fostering a culture of professionalism and integrity within the civil service, while the automation of services is reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, promoting transparency, and improving the public’s trust in government institutions.

As Kaduna continues to lead by example, its success is an inspiration for other states to follow suit. The results of this initiative will to one destination: improved service delivery, enhanced operational efficiency, and a public sector workforce that is better trained, better equipped, and more responsive to the needs of the people. This bold recalibration of the civil service is a model for others, and it has the potential to spark widespread reforms across Nigeria, setting the stage for a more accountable and effective governance system nationwide.

Governor Sani’s approach goes beyond merely modernizing the civil service; it is about setting a new benchmark for governance in Nigeria.

In a nation where public sector reforms have often been slow and fragmented, Kaduna’s dual strategy of workforce recalibration through skill development and automation represents a coherent, progressive vision for the future of public administration.

The ripple effect of these reforms is already being felt, with stakeholders from various sectors applauding the governor’s bold vision and leadership.

From business leaders to academics, there is a growing recognition of the transformative potential of these reforms. As Kaduna sets the pace for others to follow, it is clear that the state is not only changing the way government works but is also charting a new course for the future of public service in Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani’s bold leadership is a shining example of how a well-executed strategy can drive significant change in public service, delivering tangible benefits for both government employees and citizens alike. With Kaduna now leading the way in civil service innovation, the future of governance in Nigeria looks brighter than ever.

*Dambatta is Senior Special Assistant( Print Media) to the Governor