Kaduna State Unveils Major Transport Infrastructure Projects
Governor Uba Sani has revealed that his administration has allocated N30 billion as counterpart funding for the implementation of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project. Describing it as a historic initiative, the Governor emphasized that this is a collaborative effort between Kaduna State and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). He highlighted that the KBRT is the first of its kind in northern Nigeria and the second overall, following Lagos.
At the 7th National Transport Conference, the Governor outlined the details of the project. The KBRT will feature a dedicated 24km corridor stretching from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha. This initiative is expected to bring significant benefits to the residents of Kaduna.
Environmental and Economic Benefits of the KBRT
The project includes 120 articulated buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), which will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 38% and save commuters N1.8 billion annually in fuel costs. Additionally, the project is set to create 3,200 direct jobs, including roles for drivers, station agents, and maintenance engineers, as well as 11,000 indirect jobs in sectors such as ICT, security, cleaning, and small-scale trade.
Governor Uba Sani also announced plans for the Kaduna Light Rail Project, which aims to further modernize the state’s transport network. He mentioned that the project has reached an advanced stage, with Phase 1 focusing on reinstating the Old rail gauge from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha. Phase 2 will link Millennium City to Rigasa, connecting seamlessly into the existing Abuja-Kaduna rail line over approximately 50km.
Subsidized Transport Scheme and Bus Stops
In addition to the KBRT and light rail, the Governor launched the Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme. This initiative was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, with 100 brand new CNG/Hybrid buses introduced. The aim of the scheme is to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and reduce the burden on citizens.
To enhance the operational efficiency, safety, and security of both commuters and the KSTS buses, the state government is constructing over 200 bus stops across the state as part of the first phase of this initiative. Subsequent phases will follow to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Modern Interstate Bus Terminal and Motor Park Upgrades
The Governor recalled the ground breaking of the Modern Interstate Bus Terminal located at Kakuri, Kaduna South Local Government. He described the facility as one of Nigeria’s premier bus terminals. The project consolidates all illegal motor parks along the state’s southern corridor into a single, modern hub. By bringing operators under one roof, the terminal boosts internally-generated revenue, enforces full regulatory control, and creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
The project is currently 75% completed. The Governor also mentioned that the old Kawo Motor Park will be relocated to the Sobawa Motor Park upon completion, improving safety and accessibility while decongesting the city motor parks.
Additionally, Kaduna State Government is constructing a world-class Motor Park at Millennium City at the Eastern By Pass. The Governor noted that the Federal Government has continued work on the abandoned Eastern By Pass road project in Kaduna State. This opportunity has been seized to integrate a state-of-the-art transport terminal into the corridor, which is a key component of the state’s sustainable urban renewal efforts.
Trailer Parks Upgrade and Kaduna Line Revitalization
The Governor also shared updates on the upgrade and digitalization of the two Trailer Parks at Tafa and Maraban Jos. These projects are being carried out in collaboration with private investors. Each park is designed to accommodate 500 trucks, with Tafa at 60% completion and Maraban Jos at 30% level of completion. This collaboration addresses several key issues, including revenue generation, accident prevention, enhancing safety and security, easing traffic congestion, creating jobs, and improving efficiency for truck drivers.
Furthermore, the operations of Kaduna Line, which runs a franchise mode of transportation, have been made more efficient as part of the government’s efforts to revitalize it. The Governor explained that an assessment of its operations uncovered key challenges, including a debt of over N70 million owed to investors by previous administrations. This led to the removal of franchise vehicles and the degradation of the company’s activities.
Through the introduction of an E-ticketing system, staff training, new operational modalities, and harmonization of illegal motor parks, the challenges have been addressed. The Governor confirmed that the debt has been successfully cleared, creating additional routes to enhance operational efficiency and reviving collaboration with other mass transits to support their businesses and operations.