by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The new transport system being introduced by Governor Uba Sani-led administration is designed to modernize public transportation, decongest city roads, and enhance the overall quality of life for Kaduna residents.
The project will also 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.
This was disclosed at a media briefing kick-starting the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project, titled, ‘Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to modernizing Urban Transport,’ delivered by the Director-General Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, on Friday.
“We gather here, today, to discuss a significant milestone in the transformation of Kaduna State’s transport system: the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) Project.
“This project, 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,” he said.
According to Engr Inuwa Ibrahim, “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.
“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,” he added.
He further stated that, “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, Gov Sani intervened with bold financial commitments to ensure its actualization. In 2023, Governor Uba Sani directed the release of N97 million as counterpart funding, a crucial move that revived the implementation of the project.
“Understanding the strategic importance of a well-functioning transport system, he further allocated N699 million, in the 2024 budget, to accelerate the execution of KBRT.
“In the 2025 budget, Governor Uba Sani has made a budgetary provision of N30 billion, with N5 billion set aside as part of the counterpart funding, reinforcing the commitment of his administration to seeing the project through to completion.
“This commitment underscores the Governor’s vision for a modern, inclusive, and economically-vibrant Kaduna, where infrastructure development is at the heart of sustainable growth,” he said.
On project Implementation, he also explained that the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), is kick-starting the implementation of KBRT Project.
“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,” he noted.
He stressed that, “As the financier of this project, AFD has provided crucial support to ensure its success. The Kaduna BRT project, when fully completed, will provide: safer and more reliable transport, decongestion of Kaduna urban center, reduction of travel time, 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,” he stated.