By Ehis Agbon, Kaduna, Nigeria. 14 August, 2025.
Kaduna, Nigeria – August 14, 2025 — The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality, transparent, and sustainable infrastructure projects, as it hosted a high-level Awareness-Raising Workshop on the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative (CoST) in partnership with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Kaduna Branch.
Speaking at the event held at the Planning and Budget Commission Conference Hall, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed, Commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission, said the state remains steadfast in aligning its SUSTAIN Agenda with global best practices in transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public works.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of any thriving society, and in Kaduna State, we are committed to delivering durable and impactful projects,” the Commissioner said. “The CoST initiative ensures every naira spent delivers maximum value to our communities. By engaging the NSE, we aim to harness their expertise to advance this transformative agenda.”
The Commissioner noted that Kaduna’s adoption of CoST tools and its Open Contracting Portal would empower engineers, contractors, and civil society to strengthen public trust and uphold quality standards in infrastructure delivery.
Mr. Arege Bawa, Chairman Society of Engineer. Kaduna Branch, hailed the Kaduna State Government for its support in bringing CoST to the state.
“Without the Governor’s commitment, today’s reality would have remained a vision,” Bawa said. “NSE and CoST share the same DNA — integrity, transparency, and public trust. With this training, engineers will now have real-time access to project data, breaking down past barriers to effective monitoring.”
Bawa also highlighted the role of the Public Infrastructure Scorecard Committee in evaluating government projects, assuring that the NSE will continue to advise and collaborate with government for improved results.
In his special remarks, Mr. Mubarak Abdulganiyu, Civil Society Co-Chair of Kaduna OGP, praised the state’s leadership for embedding transparency and citizen participation in governance.
“The construction sector is the backbone of Kaduna’s growth. Roads, schools, hospitals — these are lifelines. Through CoST, we are building not just infrastructure, but trust, efficiency, and better results for citizens,” he said.
The workshop brought together government officials, civil society organisations, contractors, the youth, and professional engineers to discuss practical ways of implementing transparency standards in public infrastructure delivery.
With Kaduna emerging as a national model for open contracting and public accountability, participants expressed optimism that the collaboration between government, engineers, and civil society would ensure sustainable, high-quality projects that truly serve the people.
