Kaduna Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe
Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, has said Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive without competent, legitimate and accountable governance at the grassroots.
Delivering a keynote address at the 1st International Conference of the Department of Public Administration, held at Kaduna State University on Thursday, Dr. Balarabe stressed that sustainable development is impossible without strong, capable and trusted local government institutions.
She noted that the conference theme, “Rethinking Local Government Administration: Policy Reforms, Institutional Capacity and Public Financial Management for Sustainable Development,” aligns with the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The deputy governor said the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani has pursued bold governance reforms since taking office, with the aim of building a public service that is responsive, people-centred and future-ready.
“Our vision cannot be achieved unless our local governments are empowered, well-structured, well-resourced, transparent and effective,” she said.
Dr. Balarabe explained that the state has shown through various reforms, including public financial management, digital ecosystems, fiscal transparency, human capital development, and stronger local governance systems that reform is not only possible but necessary.
She described the conference as a strategic platform for dialogue and action on the future of governance, recalling that Public Administration departments in Nigeria evolved from colonial-era clerical training centres to institutions central to nation-building and public sector development after independence.
She stressed the need for policy reforms that modernise the local government system, clarify roles, eliminate duplication, and strengthen autonomy and accountability to improve service delivery.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU), Professor Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, said the institution continues to distinguish itself among its peers.
He disclosed that KASU recently secured a highly competitive N1 billion TETFund grant for commercial agriculture, attributing the achievement to the university’s demonstrated capacity, proactive approach, and strong institutional systems.
He added that KASU’s robust infrastructure and vibrant social enterprise culture positioned it favourably for the grant.
