KDSG Takes Bold Step, Kickstarts Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit Project

KDSG Takes Bold Step, Kickstarts Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit Project

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria

The Kaduna state government is committed to modernising the urban transport system to bring succor to the people.

The project is meant to decongest city roads, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

The Director General Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA) Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim disclosed this to newsmen in a press conference held today at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat.

Governor Uba Sani he said has a vision for an efficient Kaduna. He described the  project as a significant milestone in the transformation of Kaduna State’s

transport system as he called for the cooperation of the residents in order to serve them better.

“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.

Kaduna for years, he added 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.

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.

Commending His Excellency’s efforts, and commitments to urban development,

“The realization of this project would not have been possible without the unwavering support and decisive leadership of His Excellency, 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.

“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.

The director still acknowledging Governor Sani’s commitments and vision for an efficient Kaduna state,

“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.

Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim described the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) Project as not just a transport initiative but a game- changer for the economy of Kaduna state and urban development.

The Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), is kickstarting 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. As the financier of this project, AFD has provided crucial support to ensure its success.

He called for the stakeholders, the media and citizens support in order to serve them better.