Tag: #UrbanDevelopment

The Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Babangida Jafaru, has expressed strong support for the Kaduna State Government’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative, describing it as a transformative step toward addressing transportation challenges in the state. In an interview, he highlighted NARTO’s longstanding role as an umbrella body representing fleet operators involved in petroleum haulage, cargo transport, and passenger movement across Nigeria, noting that the association has consistently partnered with both federal and state governments to improve the nation’s transport ecosystem.

Alhaji Jafaru emphasised that while the BRT system may not directly involve NARTO’s core operations, the association fully recognises its broader benefits, particularly in easing traffic congestion and improving mobility within the Kaduna metropolis. He commended the administration of Governor Uba Sani for what he described as a “remarkable achievement,” adding that NARTO has actively contributed to the project’s development through participation in various committees and stakeholder engagements. He reassured transport operators that the initiative is not designed to displace them, but rather to complement existing transport systems, noting that operators remain free to serve routes not covered by the BRT network.

He further applauded the government’s efforts in sensitising stakeholders and the public on the advantages of the BRT system. Calling for collective ownership, Alhaji Jafaru urged motorists, passengers, and commercial transport operators to treat the BRT buses as shared community assets. According to him, such a mindset would foster responsibility, encourage public support, and help safeguard the infrastructure from misuse or damage. He concluded by reaffirming NARTO’s commitment to continued collaboration to ensure the initiative’s success and sustainability.

The spokesperson of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Association (ACOMORAN), Alhaji Aliyu Usman, has commended the Kaduna State Government for its ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative, describing it as a laudable and inclusive project.

Speaking during an interview, Usman expressed appreciation to the state government for not only initiating the project but also for appointing what he described as a “competent and reliable organisation” to oversee its execution from start to finish.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to stakeholder engagement as a key strength of the project, noting that transport operators and relevant groups have been actively involved since its inception.

“From day one of the project to this very moment, both the government and the contractors have carried stakeholders along. This has given us a sense of ownership and made us more committed to its success,” he said.

Usman further revealed that stakeholders, including representatives from the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Agency (KADSTRA) and other government bodies, participated in a multi-day seminar in Kano, where they contributed ideas and recommendations to shape the BRT project.

“We spent about four to five days working on the Kaduna BRT project. We gave our input, and from what we are seeing today, many of those contributions have been implemented,” he added.

He called on stakeholders and residents of the state to continue supporting the initiative, stressing that its success would benefit everyone, particularly those within the transport sector.

“This is our project and our state. If it succeeds, it will be for the benefit of all of us and could serve as a model for other states,” Usman said.

The ACOTMORAN spokesperson also used the opportunity to commend the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for broader developmental strides, especially in infrastructure and social support initiatives.

According to him, the administration’s road construction projects across the 23 local government areas and the introduction of a free transport scheme have had a significant positive impact on residents.

“The free transport programme alone has saved citizens and workers billions of naira, and it is still ongoing. We are grateful for these efforts,” he noted.

Usman concluded by urging the state government to sustain and expand its developmental initiatives for the benefit of the people.

“We encourage His Excellency to continue doing more for the good people of Kaduna State. We remain supportive and appreciative of his efforts,” he said.

The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Aminu Tanimu Zaria, has reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, now known as Kaduna Connect.

Speaking during an interview, the NURTW Chairman highlighted the union’s role as one of the key stakeholders involved in the BRT committee, noting that the union actively participates in meetings and consultations regarding the project. He explained that the union is represented on the committee by its Secretary, Comrade Hassan Ibrahim, who attends discussions on behalf of members.

According to him, the union continues to provide the cooperation required by the committee to ensure the smooth implementation of the BRT initiative. He noted that NURTW’s objective is to see the project succeed, as it will contribute to the development of Kaduna State while also supporting the growth of the transport sector.

Alhaji Aminu Tanimu Zaria also emphasized the need for continuous infrastructure expansion in response to the state’s growing population. Using the example of the express road from Kawo to Command Junction, he explained that it was built at a time when Kaduna’s population was significantly smaller. With the population and traffic volumes increasing over time, he said expanding major roads and improving transportation systems has become essential to ensure smoother mobility across the state.

He further explained that the union’s representative on the committee works to ensure that decisions taken do not negatively affect transport workers or disrupt their operations. As a result, the union is confident that the committee’s decisions will protect the interests of its members while advancing the state’s transportation development.

The NURTW Chairman also welcomed the government’s plan to acquire buses for the BRT system, noting that the initiative will include both government-owned buses and buses that will be provided to transport unions to help expand transportation services and improve operations across Kaduna.

While commending the leadership of the Kaduna State Governor for his commitment to improving the welfare of residents and developing the state’s transport infrastructure, the union reiterated its full support for the administration and pledged continued cooperation to ensure the success of the project.

Alhaji Aminu Tanimu Zaria concluded by expressing hope that when the BRT system is fully implemented, members of the union will be integrated into the system, allowing them to participate in the expanded transport network that Kaduna Connect aims to deliver across the state.