Kaduna Climbs To Category A in 2025 Governance Index, Earns Widespread Praise
Kaduna State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s top-performing states in the 2025 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index (GATI), a development widely regarded as a strong endorsement of Governor Uba Sani’s reform-driven leadership.
The report, released by the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers (GOMEP) Nigeria, placed Kaduna in the prestigious Category A – Exceptional Performance tier. The state joins Abia, Borno, Ekiti, Anambra, Osun, Delta, Kano, Enugu, and Kogi in the top-performing group.
A Significant Leap in Performance
Kaduna’s latest ranking marks a notable improvement from its 2024 position. In the inaugural edition of the index, the state was placed in Category B (Strong Performance) with a score of 81.7. However, in the 2025 assessment, Kaduna advanced to Category A with an impressive score of 89.3.
The 7.6-point increase—representing a 9.3 percent improvement—has been described by analysts as clear evidence of measurable progress in transparency, accountability, and citizen-focused governance.
Reforms Driving the Progress
Observers attribute Kaduna’s rise to a series of reforms introduced under Governor Uba Sani, which have focused on openness, inclusiveness, and institutional accountability.
Key initiatives include improved fiscal transparency through the timely publication of budget data and enhanced public access to government expenditure records. The administration has also deepened citizen engagement through regular town hall meetings and stakeholder consultations, ensuring broader participation in governance.
In addition, the expansion of digital governance platforms has streamlined service delivery and reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks, while strengthened oversight systems and procurement processes have boosted public confidence in government operations.
Beyond transparency reforms, the state government has intensified development efforts across critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural development.
A Model for Governance Excellence
Governance experts highlight Kaduna’s consistency in policy implementation and strong leadership commitment as key drivers of its success. Unlike in some states where reforms have been uneven, Kaduna’s approach has been marked by sustained efforts to build institutions, promote inclusiveness, and strengthen public trust.
These efforts align closely with GATI’s evaluation criteria, which emphasize transparency, responsiveness, anti-corruption measures, and citizen engagement.
Rising Public Confidence
The improved ranking appears to reflect growing public confidence in the administration. Residents and stakeholders have increasingly acknowledged the government’s efforts to promote openness and deliver tangible development outcomes.
For many observers, Kaduna’s progress demonstrates how political will and reform-oriented leadership can significantly improve governance outcomes within a relatively short period.
Setting the Pace
While several states share the top tier, Kaduna’s upward trajectory from 2024 to 2025 stands out as a compelling success story.
The GATI report ultimately positions the state as a benchmark for governance excellence in Nigeria, reinforcing the idea that transparency, accountability, and development can coexist under purposeful leadership.
With expectations rising, attention will now turn to whether the administration can sustain—and potentially surpass—these gains in the coming years.
