Kaduna Govt Partners French Development Agency To Improve Urban Transport
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Kaduna state Government, through the newly established agency of transportation, Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT), has established partnership with the French Development Agency (FDA) to implement and improve transportation sector in the state.
Addressing a press conference at the secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Kaduna, the Director General, Engineer lnuwa lbrahim, said the KBRT project is the cornerstone of the Governor Uba Sani’s urban mobility agenda, which was designed to modernise public transportation, decongest city roads, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
The Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), in partnership with AFD, is implementing the KBRT project.
Engineer lnuwa lbrahim maintained that 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 said.
He also noted that Kaduna had faced transportation challenges, including congestion, unregulated commercial
transport operations, and inefficiencies that affect the movement of people and goods.
Speaking further, he said, “Recognising 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 project is to 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.
” Realisation 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.
“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.
According to him, also, “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.
