From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The French Development Agency (AFD), has pledged additional technical and logistical support for the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project to ensure it aligns with global best practices in urban transportation.
During a strategic meeting in Kaduna, AFD Country Director Jacky Amprou stated that the mission’s goal was to evaluate the project’s milestones and provide extra technical and financial assistance where necessary. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the successful delivery of the BRT system in the state.
The pledge was made during a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Works and Public Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, where the Director General of KADSTRA, Engr. Inuw Ibrahim introduced the AFD team and explained the purpose of the visit. Ibrahim noted that the mission was focused on reviewing the achievements of the KBRT project and pinpointing areas needing further support.
In response, the Permanent Secretary expressed confidence that the BRT system would succeed, drawing lessons from other countries with established BRT networks. He described Governor Uba Sani’s view of the project as a landmark initiative and a legacy, and assured the delegation of the state government’s full backing. He also expressed optimism that the groundbreaking ceremony would proceed as planned in June 2026.
The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Supervision (EPCS) Design Team Lead, Mr. Alok Jain, acknowledged existing challenges but asserted that the groundbreaking would occur on schedule. The Project Management and Operational Design (PMOD) Team Lead, Mr. Teodoro S. Regino, praised the team’s innovative approaches to advancing the project.
The two-day mission includes technical review sessions to assess the work of key supporting partners—EPCS, PMOD, and the Project Management Unit (PMU)—and a site visit to the designated BRT corridor. Kaduna State is the second in Nigeria and the first in Northern Nigeria to implement a BRT system, marking a significant step toward sustainable urban transportation.
