‘Kaduna Now Second on Ease of Doing Business Ranking’

Kaduna State has climbed to the second position on Nigeria's ease of doing business ranking, thanks to reforms initiated by Governor Uba Sani, according to the Chief Strategic Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Audu Maikori. Speaking on Channels Television's Business Incorporated programme, Maikori highlighted that the improvement was a result of security stabilisation, mining sector restructuring, and infrastructure investment. Three years ago, Kaduna was ranked eighth in the same index.

Maikori emphasized that the state's investor engagement is "business unusual." He specifically mentioned the Kaduna Mining Development Company, which holds mining rights and licences, enabling the state to retain mineral revenues. This initiative is unique among Nigeria's resource-rich states. The state recently secured a half-billion-dollar investment through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Africa Finance Corporation and Core International, which will keep mineral rights within state control.

In terms of security, Maikori pointed to the recent award of a 122-kilometre road contract along the Mando-Birnin Gwari corridor and the inauguration of 1,000 forest guards, with another 1,000 undergoing training. He demonstrated the improvement by stating that he traveled from Kaduna to Abuja last week in just two hours. Maikori attributed the success not only to military efforts but also to the Kaduna Peace Model, which prioritises listening to and addressing community concerns.

Additionally, Maikori highlighted the upcoming light rail project connecting Kaduna and Abuja, valued at about ₦1 trillion. This development, part of an intermodal system connecting light rail, main rail network, and newly deployed CNG buses, is expected to change living and working conditions in Kaduna by making it feasible for residents to work in the federal capital. Property prices in Kaduna have risen significantly over the past three years, indicating a return of investors to the area.