AFD Pledges Support For Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit Project

The French Development Agency (AFD) has pledged further technical and logistical support for the successful delivery of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project to ensure it conforms with global best practices in urban transport.

Speaking during a strategic meeting in Kaduna, AFD Country Director Jacky Amprou said the mission’s objective is to evaluate the project’s milestones and provide additional technical and financial backing where needed.

He reaffirmed AFD’s commitment to the successful delivery of the BRT system in Kaduna.

Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Works and Public Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, the Director General of KADSTRA, Engr Inuwa Ibrahim, introduced the AFD team and outlined the purpose of the mission.

He stated that the AFD visit is focused on assessing the achievements of the KBRT project and identifying areas for further support to ensure its success.

In his response, the Permanent Secretary expressed confidence that the BRT system will succeed, drawing on best practices from other developed countries with BRT infrastructure.

He noted that the Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Mal. Uba Sani, CON, is proud of the project and views it as a landmark initiative and legacy.

He assured the delegation of the state government’s full support and expressed hope that the groundbreaking ceremony will proceed as scheduled.

Also speaking, the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Supervision (EPCS) Design Team Lead, Mr Alok Jain, acknowledged existing challenges but maintained optimism that the groundbreaking will commence on time.

The Project Management and Operational Design (PMOD) Team Lead, Mr Teodoro S. Regino, a supporting partner on the project, commended the PMOD team for adopting innovative approaches to drive the project forward.

The two-day mission includes technical review sessions where the team assesses the work and achievements of key supporting partners — EPCS, PMOD, and the Project Management Unit (PMU).

The delegation was also taken on a site visit of the designated BRT corridor. Kaduna State is the second state in Nigeria and the first in Northern Nigeria to undertake a BRT system, marking a significant milestone in sustainable urban transport. The groundbreaking of the project is scheduled for June 2026.