After securing federal and international support, Kaduna launches the 1st BRT Project in Northern-Nigeria
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has officially launched the construction of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transport (KBRT) project, a 24-kilometre transit system that will transform public transportation in the state.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony that took place on Tuesday in the Kakuri area of the state, Sani described the initiative as the first of its kind in northern Nigeria, emphasizing its potential to enhance mobility, foster sustainable urban development, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
The project, a collaborative effort between the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA) and a French firm, is part of the administration’s broader vision to modernize the state’s transport infrastructure.
According to the governor, the KBRT will serve as a key transport hub for the state’s southern axis, consolidating various motor parks into a centralized location to streamline operations, reduce congestion, and enhance safety.
“The KBRT and southern terminal are the latest initiatives geared towards realizing our administration’s vision for a more connected and efficient transportation system in Kaduna State,” Sani stated.
He further highlighted ongoing consultations with key public and private sector stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of the state’s transport master plan. He also revealed that President Bola Tinubu has expressed support for the initiative, promising federal backing.
“True to Mr. President’s words, the sum of N100 billion was provided in the 2025 budget of the federal government for the construction of the Kaduna Light Rail Transit (KLRT),” Sani announced.
Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, commended the Kaduna State government for its commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure. He praised KADSTRA’s role in securing funding through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which has allocated €110 million for the project.
“As the first city outside Lagos to develop a Bus Rapid Transit system, Kaduna has become a model for other cities in Nigeria,” Fonbaustier said, adding that the BRT system’s capacity surpasses that of metro or train networks in similar urban settings.
The KBRT project is expected to significantly improve transportation efficiency and economic activity in Kaduna, setting a benchmark for urban transit development in northern Nigeria.
