When Agbu Kefas was sworn in as governor of Taraba State on 29 May 2023, he pledged to reposition the state as peaceful and economically vibrant, with a strong emphasis on human capital development. His campaign centred on reforms in education, security, economic growth, healthcare, and youth empowerment—priorities that shaped expectations among voters during the 2023 election cycle.
Elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has governed Taraba since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Mr Kefas assumed office at a time the state faced persistent security challenges, weak economic growth, and limited infrastructure. He succeeded Darius Ishaku, whose eight-year administration left behind a mix of ongoing projects and structural gaps.
A retired lieutenant colonel, Mr Kefas built a career in the Nigerian Army before venturing into politics. Born on 12 November 1970 in Wukari, Taraba State, he studied political science and defence studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, graduating in 1994. He later obtained a master’s degree in legal criminology and security psychology from the University of Ibadan in 2005, and another in public administration from Delta State University, Abraka, in 2008. He also attended executive education programme at the Harvard Kennedy School.
In his inaugural address, the governor committed to rebuilding public institutions, expanding opportunities for young people, and promoting inclusive governance, particularly in rural communities where agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy.
More than two years into his first term, attention is turning to whether these commitments have translated into measurable improvements across key sectors.
On Education Reform
Shortly after assuming office, the governor announced free and compulsory education from primary to secondary school level across Taraba State.
The policy aims to address one of Nigeria’s longstanding challenges—the large number of out-of-school children.
His supporters say the policy was one of the boldest education reforms undertaken by any state government in Nigeria in recent years.
Yet, observers note that the sustainability of the policy will depend on adequate funding, recruitment of qualified teachers, and the expansion of school infrastructure to accommodate the rising number of students.
For Hiks Stanley, the governor’s so-called “free education” has done more harm than good in the state. “Many schools have few desks, so some pupils sit on the floor to receive lessons.
“Blackboards and school infrastructures are all in poor condition. In most government schools, if you look at the pupils’ uniforms, you might think they are going to the farm.
In terms of education, the Taraba government has failed.”
Governor Kefas has in September, 2025, admitted the deteriorating state of education in the state.
Critics warn that the free education initiative must go beyond access to focus on the quality of education, including improved teacher training and curriculum development.
On SecurityÂ
Security remains one of the most complex issues confronting Taraba State.
The state has historically experienced communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, and occasional criminal activities in rural areas.
The Kefas administration has emphasised collaboration between security agencies and community leaders.
Government officials say this approach has helped reduce tensions in some previously volatile areas.
They said the administration has also supported peace-building initiatives and community engagement programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of conflicts.
But critics believe more comprehensive strategies are needed to address rural banditry and inter-communal disputes.
The recent prevailing insecurity in communities such as Chanchangi, Tordamisa in Takum and Donga Local Governments has reportedly forced hundreds of residents to flee their ancestral homes.
Findings revealed that schools are currently in session, worship places have been shut down due to the escalating fear and tension over a viral video that alleged a planned terrorist attack immediately after Ramadan.
In November, 2025, the state government ordered the temporary shutdown of all public and private secondary schools, following heightened security concerns across parts of northern Nigeria.
Economic DevelopmentÂ
Taraba is often described as one of Nigeria’s most naturally endowed states, possessing vast agricultural land, fertile valleys, mineral resources, and tourism potential, including the scenic landscapes of the Mambilla Plateau.
Despite these advantages, the state’s economy has struggled to attract significant investment.
Governor Kefas has repeatedly stated that economic revitalisation is central to his administration’s agenda.
Officials say his administration has also focused on agriculture as a key driver of growth, with programmes supporting farmers, agricultural extension services, and rural infrastructure being expanded to boost productivity.
However, job creation remains a major concern among young people in the state.
For Prof Joreme Nyameh, Taraba State’s youth unemployment is a pressing issue that demands immediate and multifaceted action.
Many residents believe that attracting private investment and expanding industrial activities will be critical to reducing unemployment.
On HealthcareÂ
Healthcare was another sector highlighted in Kefas’ campaign promises. While the administration has pledged to improve access to healthcare services, progress in this area has been slower and less visible.
The state government has announced plans to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve health infrastructure across local government areas.
Years after his promises, findings indicate that these primary health centres confront challenges from severe understaffing to a lack of electricity. Some PHCs are cut off from the national grid.
Observers believe that Taraba faces significant healthcare challenges, including shortages of medical personnel, limited health facilities in rural areas, and inadequate funding for the health system.
They also argued that these reforms would require sustained investment and coordination with federal health agencies to achieve meaningful impact.
On Power, Infrastructure Reforms
One notable policy initiative under Kefas’ administration is the signing of a state electricity law, which aims to allow Taraba greater autonomy in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
The legislation follows recent constitutional reforms in Nigeria that permit states to participate more actively in the electricity sector.
Taraba State’s electricity infrastructure includes a small hydro power plant with a capacity of 400kW, several mini hydroelectric stations, fuel generators, and a connection to the national grid, with potential projects like the Mambilla Power project expected to generate over 3050 MW.
However, the state’s electricity supply faces challenges such as inadequate investment, with only 11% of communities electrified and significant fluctuations in available power.
Infrastructure development more broadly remains a key area where citizens expect visible progress.
Prof Hiks Stanley believes that roads in Taraba State are in a worse condition. “Not a single good road connects us to neighbouring states, and the ones within the state aren’t any better. Instead of patronising road development, the government invested in fixing the airport, a luxury for the few who can afford it,” he wrote on a Facebook post.
Roads, rural connectivity, and public utilities are among the priorities frequently raised by residents and civil society organisations.
Environmental ProtectionÂ
The Kefas administration has also taken steps to regulate mining activities in Taraba.
The government suspended certain mining operations to protect the environment and prevent ecological damage.
Illegal mining and unregulated resource extraction have been recurring issues in parts of Nigeria, often leading to environmental degradation and loss of government revenue.
Sources and reports reveal that despite the government ban, ongoing mining activities, both legal and illegal, are causing significant damage to the state’s ecosystems.
Political Realignments
In early 2026, Governor Kefas made a political move by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision generated political debate both within Taraba and at the national level.
Supporters of the move argued that aligning with the ruling party at the federal level could help Taraba attract more development projects and federal support.
Critics, however, viewed the defection as a strategic political calculation ahead of future elections, while others attributed it to the fear of intimidation against the opposition by the Tinubu administration.
Regardless of political interpretations, the development highlighted the nature of party politics in Nigeria and its potential influence on governance.
Public PerceptionÂ
Public reactions to Kefas’ performance so far have been mixed.
Supporters point to the education reforms as evidence of a bold leadership style willing to pursue transformative policies.
They argue that such initiatives require time to deliver measurable results and that the administration deserves credit for prioritising human development.
Sceptics, however, believe the government must accelerate progress in other sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation.
With barely one year remaining in his first term, Governor Kefas still has time to advance his policy agenda.
Key priorities for his administration may include expanding the education reforms, improving healthcare services, strengthening security initiatives, and attracting investment to diversify the state’s economy.
For many residents like Ismaila Gembu, a primary school teacher from Sardauna local government, the measure of success will be whether these policies translate into tangible improvements in livelihoods and public services. “Taraba’s development challenges are complex, but they can be addressed if there is political will,” he stressed.
