By JKNewsMedia
COMMITMENT TO strengthen accountability and drive sustainable development in Kaduna has taken a new turn as the state government and the Gates Foundation signed the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework during the United Nations General Assembly.
In a joint statement issued by Fatima Abubakar Alkali, Senior Communications Officer at the Gates Foundation, and Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Governor, the Framework was described as a strategic platform for dialogue and accountability.
The parties explained that it is non-binding and will not create any legally enforceable obligations or financial commitments, serving instead as a guide for collaboration.
The Framework builds on the Kaduna State International Development Cooperation Framework (2017–2020) and introduces mechanisms for strategic dialogue, measurable commitments and citizen-centred monitoring.
Its focus areas include health, agriculture, data management, realistic budgeting and economic empowerment.
Governor Uba Sani welcomed the initiative as a vital step toward achieving Kaduna’s development vision, stating that the KaMAF represents a shift from promises to delivery.
He said: “By ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with the priorities of our citizens, Kaduna is working toward building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future.
“We are proud to partner with the Gates Foundation to drive real, measurable change that improves lives across our state.”
Reaffirming its support, the Gates Foundation described the Framework as an extension of its ongoing investments and technical assistance in Kaduna.
Uche Amaonwu, the Foundation’s Country Director for Nigeria, said: “Our work in Kaduna is grounded in a shared vision for inclusive, accountable, and data-driven development.
“We are not just investing in systems; we are investing in people, in communities, and in the institutions that support sustainable change.
“The Foundation stands ready to support Kaduna in strengthening primary health care, improving access to economic opportunities, and ensuring that every naira spent delivers real impact.”
The KaMAF will guide cooperation over an initial two-year period from 2025 to 2026.
It will be managed through regular strategic dialogues and a Joint Steering Committee that will track progress, resolve bottlenecks and ensure sustainability of agreed actions.
According to both parties, the Framework seeks to align resources, reinforce accountability and keep citizens at the centre of development planning.
They also said that by doing so, Kaduna and the Gates Foundation aim to set a model for transformative state-donor partnerships in Nigeria and beyond.
