THREE YEARS OF TRANSFORMATION IN KANO STATE
A Comprehensive Appraisal of the Administration of His Excellency, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf (2023–2026)
By: Dr Sagir Sadisu Buhari, FCIA
Since assuming office on 29 May 2023, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State, has pursued an ambitious governance agenda aimed at rebuilding critical public institutions, expanding infrastructure, and improving access to social services across the state.
The administration inherited significant developmental challenges, including overstretched healthcare facilities, traffic congestion in urban areas, and widening gaps in rural development. In response, the government adopted a reform-driven strategy anchored on four key pillars: education reform, healthcare revitalisation, infrastructure development, and social and economic empowerment.
Over the past three years, Kano State has witnessed extensive government intervention across all 44 local government areas, with projects spanning education, healthcare, roads, housing support systems, and youth empowerment programmes. While challenges remain due to rapid population growth and increasing demand for public services, the scale of intervention reflects one of the most ambitious public-sector renewal efforts in the state’s recent history.
EDUCATION SECTOR REFORM
Education remains the central focus of the administration’s development agenda. Early in its tenure, the government declared a State of Emergency in Education, signalling urgent attention to long-standing structural deficiencies within the sector. This policy led to increased budgetary allocations, with education receiving approximately 29–31% of the state budget in 2024 and 2025, placing Kano among the highest education spenders in Nigeria relative to its fiscal capacity.
As part of this intervention, the government embarked on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 1,000 primary and secondary schools across urban and rural communities. These efforts included classroom renovations, provision of instructional materials, and distribution of more than 120,000 desks and furniture to improve learning environments.
In addition, the administration strengthened human capital development by recruiting and regularising thousands of teachers, converting ad hoc staff into permanent positions, and expanding teacher training programmes. Over 1,000 students were awarded foreign scholarships in science, technology, engineering, and medical disciplines to strengthen the state’s long-term workforce capacity.
HEALTHCARE REVITALISATION
In the healthcare sector, the administration carried out extensive rehabilitation of major medical institutions across the state, including the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, the Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, the Sir Sunusi Specialist Hospital, and general hospitals in Wudil and Rano. Key departments such as emergency units, maternity wards, laboratories, and outpatient services were upgraded.
Primary healthcare delivery was also strengthened through the renovation of numerous Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across rural communities, improving maternal care, immunisation coverage, and emergency response services. Recruitment of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and laboratory technicians, was undertaken to reduce staffing shortages across facilities.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Infrastructure development remains one of the most visible achievements of the administration. In the Kano metropolis, major road projects such as the reconstruction of Audu Bako Way and the construction of the Dan Agundi Interchange have significantly improved urban mobility and reduced congestion. The Tal’udu Flyover Project also continues as part of broader city-wide transport reforms.
Rural infrastructure development has received equal attention, particularly through the ₦21 billion, 85-kilometre Madobi–Kura road and bridge project designed to enhance agricultural connectivity and reduce transportation costs. A further 70-kilometre rural road network is also being developed across several local government areas.
Additionally, contracts for 15 major road projects valued at over ₦40 billion have been awarded, covering strategic routes across Tudun Wada, Madobi, and surrounding districts, strengthening economic integration across the state.
SOCIAL WELFARE AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
The administration has implemented multiple social intervention programmes aimed at reducing poverty and empowering vulnerable groups. Thousands of women and youth have benefited from vocational training, financial empowerment schemes, and agricultural support initiatives.
Farmers have received fertilisers, seedlings, and other inputs to boost productivity, while small and medium-scale enterprises have benefited from targeted economic support programmes designed to stimulate local economic growth.
In addition, the administration has prioritised the payment of pensioners and gratuities, addressing long-standing arrears and improving the welfare of retired civil servants. This intervention has provided relief to elderly citizens dependent on retirement benefits while strengthening trust in public sector welfare systems.
GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
The government has also prioritised transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public service delivery. Budget implementation processes have improved, with increased focus on capital expenditure, while monitoring and evaluation systems have been strengthened to ensure effective project execution across ministries and agencies.
Despite progress, Kano State continues to face structural pressures arising from population growth, rapid urbanisation, and rising demand for public services. These challenges require sustained investment and long-term planning.
Nevertheless, the first three years of the administration have been characterised by intensive public-sector reconstruction and visible infrastructure expansion. The combination of education reform, healthcare rehabilitation, road construction, social interventions, and pension payments reflects a governance approach focused on rebuilding foundational systems while expanding access to essential services.
THE 2026 KANO STATE BUDGET AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK
The 2026 fiscal year marks a critical phase in consolidating the administration’s development agenda. The Kano State budget for 2026, estimated at about ₦1.47 trillion, reflects a strong commitment to infrastructure expansion, human capital development, and economic growth.
A significant portion of the budget is directed toward capital projects, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on physical development and long-term economic productivity. Priority sectors include:
Education infrastructure expansion and school rehabilitation
Healthcare system strengthening and facility upgrades
Completion of ongoing road and flyover projects
Rural development and agricultural investment
Youth empowerment and social protection programmes
The structure of the 2026 budget signals a transition from rehabilitation to consolidation, completion, and sustainability of ongoing projects. It also reflects the government’s intention to deepen development impact across all local government areas and improve service delivery outcomes.
CONCLUSION AND POLICY ADVISORY
In conclusion, the first three years of the administration of His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, have demonstrated a clear commitment to rebuilding Kano State through large-scale investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, social welfare, and pension obligations. The scope of interventions across all 44 local government areas reflects a deliberate effort to restore public services and strengthen the foundations of sustainable development.
However, as the administration advances into its remaining phase, there is a growing need to shift emphasis from project initiation to impact consolidation, institutional strengthening, and inclusive governance. The true measure of success will increasingly depend not merely on the number of projects executed, but on how effectively those projects improve the lives of citizens, particularly rural communities, vulnerable groups, and retired public servants.
Key priorities moving forward include stronger policy coordination, equitable distribution of development programmes, improved maintenance culture, enhanced monitoring and evaluation systems, and strengthened institutional capacity through merit-based appointments.
Finally, greater citizen engagement should be encouraged to improve accountability and participation in governance.
The journey of transformation in Kano State remains ongoing. While significant progress has been recorded, the ultimate success of the administration will depend on how effectively it consolidates gains, sustains reforms, and ensures inclusive development.
With strong leadership and effective implementation, Kano State has the potential to emerge as a leading model of sub-national development in Nigeria.
Dr Sagir Sadisu Buhari, FCIA
Former Director General, Research and Documentation Directorate
Government House, Kano State
Email: buharisageer@gmail.com
12th June ,2026
