Uba Sani speaking at the national transport conference
Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, has unveiled a N30 billion counterpart funding commitment for the Kaduna bus rapid transit (KBRT) system.
The project is a collaboration with the Agence Française de Dévelopement (AFD), the French development agency.
Speaking at the national transport conference, Sani said the KBRT will run along a dedicated 24km corridor from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha, deploying 120 articulated buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
The governor said the transport project is the “first of its kind in northern Nigeria” and the “second nationwide after Lagos”.
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He said the initiative is expected to cut carbondioxide emissions by 38 percent and save commuters N1.8 billion annually in fuel costs.
The governor said the initiative will generate about 3,200 direct jobs for drivers, station agents, and maintenance engineers.
“We are creating 3,200 direct jobs (drivers, station agents, maintenance engineers) and 11,000 indirect jobs (ICT, security, cleaning, small-scale trade), and many more,” he said.
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The governor said development at the Kaduna light rail project is at an advanced stage, adding that phase 1 will restore the old rail gauge between Rigachikun and Sabon Tasha.
He said phase 2 will connect Millennium City to the existing Abuja-Kaduna rail line, covering approximately 50km.
“Phase 1 will reinstate the Old rail gauge Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha corridor; Phase 2 will link Millennium City to Rigasa existing Abuja – Kaduna rail, tying seamlessly into 50km approximately,” he added.
Sani said to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the state has launched the Kaduna subsidized transport scheme, with President Bola Tinubu commissioning 100 new CNG/hybrid buses in June.
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He said the scheme offers free rides for students, workers, and retirees, saving commuters over N500 million since its inception in July 2025.
“The aim is to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and reduce the burden on our citizens. At the commissioning, I granted a six-month free ride for students, workers, and retirees – a benefit they continue to enjoy today, saving commuters more than N500m from July 7th 2025 when we started to date,” he said.
“To enhance the operational efficiency, safety and security of both commuters and the KSTS buses, we are currently constructing over 200 bus stops across the state as part of the first phase of this initiative. Subsequently, the second and third phases will follow soon to ensure comprehensive coverage.”
He said the administration is also constructing over 200 bus stops across Kaduna to improve safety and operational efficiency, with further phases planned for wider coverage.
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