Kaduna Govt launches Bus Rapid Transit project 

By Mayen Etim, Kaduna

In a bid to modernize urban transportation, the Kaduna State Government has kick-started the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing congestion, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The project, conceived by Governor Uba Sani, will introduce a 24-km dedicated transit corridor, complete with well-structured bus stations and shelters.

Addressing a press conference on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), state Council Secretariat, the Director General of Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim said Governor Uba Sani is committed to modernizing urban transport.

The project is being implemented by KADSTRA, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD)

He said the KBRT project is expected to provide safer and more reliable transport, decongest the urban center, reduce travel time, and improve road safety and environmental sustainability.

The DG also said the KBRT project is more than just a transport initiative, but, a game-changer for the economy of the state and urban development, calling on the public to support this project and embrace the new era of structured, modern, and efficient public transportation in Kaduna.

According to the DG, the project is being implemented by KADSTRA, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD); pointing out that the project is poised to transform the way Kaduna moves, enhancing mobility, stimulating economic growth, and creating job opportunities for residents.

He added: “AFD plays a significant role globally in supporting sustainable development projects such as the KBRT, reinforcing its commitment to fostering urban growth, economic stability, and climate-friendly transportation systems worldwide.”

This transformative project will introduce a 24-km dedicated transit corridor from Kawo Bridge to Sabon Tasha

While noting that Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated his commitment to the project by allocating significant funds, including N97 million in counterpart funding in 2023 and N699 million in the 2024 budget; Engr Ibrahim said, the 2025 budget has also earmarked N30 billion for the project, with N5 billion set aside for counterpart funding.

As the financier of this project, he disclosed that, AFD has provided crucial support to ensure its success, saying, the Kaduna BRT project, when fully completed will provide:

“Safer and more reliable transport,

decongestion of Kaduna urban center, reduction of travel time and; improved road safety and environmental sustainability.

“Moving forward, residents of Kaduna should expect to see visible progress, with the construction of transit corridors and the installation of necessary infrastructure.”

Engr Ibrahim further said: “the KBRT project is a cornerstone of the Governor Uba Sani’s urban mobility agenda, is designed to modernize public transportation, decongest city roads, and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents.

“A Vision for an Efficient Kaduna

For years, Kaduna has faced transportation challenges, including congestion, unregulated commercial

transport operations, and inefficiencies that affect the movement of people and goods.

“Recognizing the need for a structured and sustainable urban transport system, the KBRT Project was conceived to bring order, safety, and reliability to public transit.

KBRT represents a shift towards a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation system that will enhance mobility

“This transformative project will introduce a 24-km dedicated transit corridor from Kawo Bridge to Sabon Tasha, with well-structured bus stations and shelters strategically placed along the route.

“More than just an infrastructural development, KBRT represents a shift towards a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation system that will enhance mobility, stimulate economic growth, and create job opportunities for Kaduna residents.

“His Excellency’s commitment to urban development, the realization of this project would not have been possible without the unwavering support and decisive leadership of Governor Uba Sani.

“After years of planning and delays, the KBRT project faced the risk of further postponement. However, His Excellency intervened with bold financial commitments to ensure its actualization.”

The DG KADSTRA tasked the media to provide necessary visibility for the KBRT project.