Kaduna free bus scheme transports 1.4m passengers, saves citizens 1.39bn in five months

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The free CNG bus service in Kaduna State has successfully transported over 1.4 million passengers across four major routes from July to November 2025, saving residents more than N1.39 billion in transport fares, according to new data released by the state government on Thursday.
During a media engagement in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, presented these figures, noting that the assessment aimed to gauge the real impact of the free-ride policy implemented by Governor Uba Sani.
He highlighted that the uptake has far exceeded initial projections.
Initially, the scheme was a targeted intervention for state civil servants and students, but was later expanded to include all commuters along the designated routes. “From July 7 to the end of November, the buses have transported an impressive number of our people at zero cost,” he stated.
A breakdown of the assessment indicated that in the third quarter of 2025 (July, August, and September), the buses transported 683,650 passengers, resulting in an estimated fare value of N738.8 million in direct savings for citizens. Ridership increased significantly in the following two months, with 626,710 passengers recorded between October and November, equivalent to avoided fare costs of N667.2 million. October alone accounted for 339,530 passengers, attributed to the reopening of schools and increased intra-city travel.
“In total, residents of Kaduna using these four routes have saved N1.39 billion in just five months,” Maiyaki said, affirming the governor’s commitment to alleviating economic pressures on households.
He detailed that the buses operate across 200 bus stops in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan, with 30 CNG buses running daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The routes include Tudun Wada–Kawo–Rigachikun, Rigachikun–Yakowa–Maraban Rido, Rigachikun–Kasuwa–Maraban Rido, and Rigasa–NEPA Roundabout.
According to the Commissioner, the average daily passenger count is 18,426 commuters, which translates to approximately 294,824 passengers per month. Each bus completes eight trips daily, demonstrating both high demand and operational consistency.