Inuwa Ibrahim, is the current Managing Director, kaduna Line and overseeing Director General Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority(KADSTRA). He has his university education at the Bayero University Kano and enrolled his Masters degree at Amadu Bello University Zaria. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the Amadu Bello University Zaria in Civil Engineering with specialization in Highway, transportation and Railway Infrastructure. Professionally, Inuwa is a Member chartered institute of logistics and Transport (CILT) and fellow chartered institute of transport Administration (CIOTA) as well as Digital jewels project Management professional (PMP) with over 20 years of experience in Civil engineering and transportation. In this interview, he speaks with Benjamin Agesan Business Day Correspondent, about the revolution of Kaduna State Transportation Sector. He also discuss critical economic issues in Nigeria and the government efforts in tackling insecurity in the state.
Excerpts.
Kaduna State has recently been given a National award in transportation System, What has the government done to merit this Award?
Transportation is the backbone of any thriving economy, playing a pivotal role in commerce, mobility, and economic development. In Nigeria, where efficient transport systems remain a key factor in socio-economic progress, Kaduna Line Nigeria Limited has emerged as a leading public transport service provider, connecting cities, towns, and rural communities, in Nigeria, and Kaduna State, in particular.
Kaduna State, like many others Cities in Nigeria is experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth leading to increased congestion and limited access to transportation options.
When we took office in May 2023 under the leadership of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kaduna State Senator Uba Sani, only 30 % of the 23 Local Governments Areas had motorable roads. Public transport became chaotic, unsafe and environmentally toxic. Investors were bypassing us for cities that guaranteed 24-hour mobility.
The State Government choose to confront that decay headon. Before we touched one urban expressway, we went to the farms and rural areas for urbanization and Rural Revitalization. To date the Executive Governor of Kaduna State His Excellency Senator Mallam Uba Sani have awarded 85 roads covering 785km were launched in the first phase, with 44 already completed and the rest near completion, while the second phase is delivering over 50 more roads and bridges totaling 550km.
The 54 km Kafanchan-Kagarko-Jere road now links 2.3 million metric tonnes of maize, yam and ginger to the FCT market with many others; every harvest season. The Governor further completed the abandoned 12km Kagoro-Manchok road that had been suspended since 2015, cocoa famers are already recording 17 % higher gate prices because middlemen can now reach the farms. These are little part of rural roads revitalization agenda the administration has laid on.
Harmonization of illegal motor Parks was our top priority as we assumed office in 2023 as the elected government of kaduna state, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani launched a comprehensive investigation to the proliferation of illegal motor Parks, a major driver of the insecurity. From kawo to command junction alone, we have uncovered more than fifty illegal sites, underscoring the scale of the threats the state was in.
The Governor approved immediate relocation of every motor Park to the newly built Mando motor Park. He also assigned relevant regulatory agencies Police KASTLEA, NDLEA, KASUPDA, KADVS, KEPA and KADSTRA to conduct safety and security inspection measures in order to eliminate and improve the efficiency of overall transport sector.
UPGRADING AND DIGITIZING
THE STATE TRAILER PARKS; The Kaduna State Government is currently at advance stage of upgrade and digitization of the two Trailer parks, Tafa and Maraban Jos. Each park is designed to accommodate 500 trucks; Tafa is at 60% level of completion, which currently accommodate 300 trucks while accelerating on the remaining 40%. The Maraban jos is at 30% level of progress that accommodate 150 trucks, while advancing to the remaining 70% completion.
This effort will presents a valuable opportunity to address several key issue related to revenue generation, eliminating accidents caused by parking outside designated areas, enhancing safety and security, easing traffic congestion, creating jobs, and improving overall efficiency for truck drivers and conducive environment for transport operators.
In March 11, 2025, Governor Uba Sani performed ground breaking of the Kakuri interstate terminal facility, one of Nigeria’s premier bus terminals. Designed and fully funded by the state government, the project consolidates all illegal motor Parks along the state’s southern corridor into a single, modern hub, bringing operators under one roof.
The terminal will boost internally generated revenue, enforces full regulatory control, and creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs delivering a safer, cleaner, and More efficient transport system for our citizens. This project is currently 75% level of completion, it reflect our commitment to improve the state transport sector and overall infrastructure in the region.
His Excellency Senator Uba has approved the construction of a befitting world class eastern interstate modern motor Park, the new terminal will ease movement across the city, eliminate traffic congestion especially for vehicles plying Abuja -Kano and other northern/southern states of the country that pass through kaduna city center.
This will strengthen security through control access, modern surveillance and dedicated marshalling areas. Kaduna remains as the regional hub for efficient safe and sustainable transport system.
How has Kaduna Line boost the State Internal Generated Revenue (IGR)?
The kaduna Line runs a franchise model of operation. Upon taking office, this administration discovered numerous challenges in Kaduna line, part of it was a debt of Over 70 million Naira owed to Investors refund in the company, which result to removal of franchise vehicles and degradation of the company’s activities. We use our strategic plans to over come these issues by introducing the kaduna Line.arrive.ng, an E-ticketing system that digitize the whole process of the company’s operation, staff training, new advance tactical operational modalities and harmonization of illegal motor Parks.
We have successfully cleared this debt, creating additional route increasing the numbers of investors from 150 to 300, enhancing the operational efficiency and reviving the mutual collaboration with other sister mass transit to ensure that our partners are supported in their businesses.
By the grace of God, the kaduna government under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Uba Sani will inject additional interstate vehicles as a support to company’s operations and the entire transport sector of the state.
This has boosted the state internal generated Revenue ( IGR) so much as the Franchise companies takes 80% of the earnings leaving the state government with 20%.
This has also led to the increase of Pay as you earn (PE) which are monthly deductions from workers salaries which is the major source of income for the state government as a right of every citizen to pay taxes.
When are you unveiling the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) as one of the ways in tackling transportation?
This is a historic project, the first of it’s kind in northern Nigeria and the second overall, after Lagos, in collaboration with the Agency De French Development (AFD). During the unveiling of KBRT project held in march, 2025 His Excellency the executive Governor of kaduna state, Mallam Uba Sani was present alongside the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier and other high dignitaries.
The KBRT will feature a dedicated 24km corridor stretching from rigachikun to Sabon Tasha. The administration has invested over 30 billion naira in 2025 as counterpart funding for the successful and speedy implementation of this project with significant benefits which includes; Median aligned busways, 30 modern bus stops and off board fare collection as well as platform level boarding.
Also amongst is real-time passenger information, signal-priority at junctions and fleet of 120 articulated buses will be running on CNG/Hybrid engine- cutting CO emissions by 38,% and saving commuters N1.8 billion annually in fuel costs.
Additionally, Job creation; the initiative is set to create 3, 200 direct jobs and 11,000 indirect, station agents, maintenance engineers; ICT staff security, cleaning, small-scale trade, and many more.
We have made significant progress in overcoming the initial challenges of this transformative initiative. We are planning suitable designs as such by June this year the construction phase will commence.
What majors has the government taken to cushion the effects of Fuel Subsidy removal?
In June 20th, 2025 president Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned several legal projects executed by Governor Uba Sani which includes the 100 brand new CNG/Hybrid buses under the kaduna subsidize transport scheme initiative. The aim was to cushion the effects of fuel Subsidy removal and reduce the burden on the citizens. At the commissioning, the government granted free ride for students, workers and retirees a benefit they continue to enjoy today.
The Kaduna State Government has launched a Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme (KSTS) an initiative aimed to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel Subsidy where passengers boarding to the Buses free of charge.
Kaduna State Government free Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) bus service has saved residents an estimated ₦1.390,213,900 billion in transport costs over a five-month period, from July to November 2025.
The initiative, which has transported over 1.4 million passengers, is being hailed as a major intervention to ease economic pressure on households.
The scale of the scheme’s impact said that the assessment showed that between July and September 2025, the buses conveyed 683,650 passengers, leading to fare savings of ₦738.8 million. Demand surged further in October and November, with an additional 626,710 passengers saving ₦667.2 million.
The service initially targeted intervention for civil servants and students but was expanded to all commuters due to overwhelming uptake.
The buses currently operate on four major routes within Kaduna metropolis, making eight trips daily with a fleet of 30 CNG buses. The service now averages 18,426 passengers daily, or approximately 294,824 monthly, the initiative will be expanded to Zaria and Kafanchan metropolis.
A spike in ridership in October—which saw 339,530 passengers to the reopening of schools and increased intra-city movement.
Beyond direct savings, the scheme has stimulated small-scale commercial activities and restored mobility for informal traders displaced by earlier urban renewal projects, helping to revive microeconomic activity.
The free rides as a “people-centred intervention” by Governor Uba Sani, specifically designed to benefit civil servants, artisans, students, retirees, and low-income earners. He noted that the high demand is evident, with residents queuing before dawn at some of the 200 designated bus stops constructed by the administration.
The government has positioned the free bus scheme as a core part of its strategy to provide tangible relief during difficult economic times.With ₦1.39 billion saved by residents in just five months, officials cite the data as proof of the policy’s operational consistency and its success in delivering measurable economic cushioning for Kaduna’s commuting public.
Our dear Governor, Uba Sani recently extended the duration of the free Shuttle CNG busses indefinitely instead of the initial six months existence previously pronounced.
Following thorough investigation into security concerns at kawo bridge, in July 21st, 2025, the governor performed a ground breaking of the sobawa motor Park to relocate the old kawo park. This relocation aimed to improve safety and accessibility, decongesting the city hub there by contributing to the over all security and expansion of the state.
How soon is the kaduna light Rail coming on stream?
To further modernize kaduna’s transport network, we are at an advance state of rolling out kaduna light Rail on a brand new guages.
Phase 1 will re-instate the Old rail guages rigachikun to Sabon Tasha corridor while phase 2 will link millennium city to rigasa exiting (Abuja-Kaduna rail) tying seamlessly into 50km approximately.
Every milestone so far has been achieved on schedule, making this a historic infrastructure project for the citizens of kaduna state and by the grace of God; this administration of His Excellency Senator Uba Sani will deliver it on time and budget.
All the necessary plans and designs are being made and by God’s willing, next year, may 2026 everything will commenced in Ernest.
How is the Government tackling insecurity to Improve Economic, Agricultural, Health and Educational Activities in the state?
Uba Sani, the executive Governor of kaduna state introduced ‘Peace Model’ following his swearing -in as the Democratically elected Governor of kaduna state on 29 May 2023 to cut insecurity in the state.
Kaduna State has been on “Red” since 2022 and has now been moved to “Amber” due to Uba Sani’s administrative persistent efforts in addressing security challenges to sustain peace and security through several initiatives as a signal to Investors that kaduna state is safe for business.
Construction of new roads were part of the broader infrastructure renewal programme aimed at tackling insecurity, which has already delivered significant results.
Kaduna State is translating vision into action as the administration is pursuing inclusive development and renewal through strategic and peoples centred investments especially in the areas of Infrastructure and Economic Connectivity, Rural Transformation Agricultural Revival, Human Capital Development and Health Care, Agriculture as well as Food Security, Peace Building, with Justice, Equity and inclusion.
The administration prioritised infrastructure as the engine of development haven launched 85 urban and rural road projects, covering 785 kilometres across the state, nearly half of them completed, facilitating trade, reducing travel time, and improving access to markets for farmers and entrepreneurs alike with rebuilding urban roads, bridges, and essential public utilities to stimulate investment and elevate living conditions.
Rural Revitalisation Agenda is reawakening the economic potential of previously marginalised communities with reopening of key markets such as the Birnin Gwari Livestock Market and the Kidandan Market in Giwa, a resurgence of local commerce and a renewed sense of community confidence, more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmland have been reclaimed, equipping the farmers to produce more while enhancing food security across the state.
Education and health are not luxuries — they are the pillars of our future. His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is executing a comprehensive reform of our educational system to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning. This includes infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and the integration of digital tools. Through the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, this administration have successfully returned over 10,728 children to the classroom. Moreover, 535 schools previously shut due to insecurities were reopened, reaffirming the belief that education is a right, not a privilege
In healthcare, the Kaduna State government have turned promises into action. 255 Primary Health Care Centres were upgraded across the state, bringing vital services closer to rural communities. These efforts are supported by our investments in three world-class vocational institutes, which are empowering the youth and women with marketable skills to thrive in an evolving economy. Agriculture and Food Security: Recognising the strategic importance of agriculture, we have allocated over 10% of the 2025 budget to the sector — the highest in recent years. This demonstrates the commitment to empowering smallholder farmers, promoting climate-smart practices, and strengthening the agricultural value chain to ensure long-term food security and economic growth’ ”.
We understand that meaningful development is impossible without peace. This is why this administration under the leadership of His Excellency The Executive Governor of Kaduna State Senator Uba sani have deepened the investment in community security, reconciliation, and dialogue. Expanding community policing initiatives, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and supporting victims of conflict. Through these efforts, the government is rebuilding trust across diverse communities and reaffirming government’s collective commitment to peaceful coexistence. Justice, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of governance approach. This administration is building a Kaduna State where policy is driven by fairness, leadership is guided by empathy, and every community, no matter how remote, has a voice in shaping the government’s shared future.
What are the challenges so far?
Previously, our transport sector has faced numerous challenges that have hindered our growth and development. Traffic congestion , delays, and inadequate infrastructure have plague our roads for too long but the government it’s completely revolutionising the transport sector and injecting more funds for the transport infrastructural development across the state.
Currently, insecurity has eaten deep into the fabrics of all sectors in the country, Movement of people from one city to another and within the city has been drastically reduced hence roads are no longer safe from robbery, kidnapping and ruthless killings.
Removal of fuel Subsidy; fuel as the only source of livelihood for all Nigerians has positively impacted Governments, organisations, Companies, Businesses amongst many others as such, kaduna Line as everyone organization has suffered great set back following the removal of fuel Subsidy hence prices of petrol sky rocketed without pre notice coupling with the huge debt left behind by the previous administration has negatively affected the organization.
