Ofure Akhigbe
The United Kingdom government has lifted its travel restrictions on Kaduna State, moving it from the “Red” to the “Amber” category in its official travel advisory.
This adjustment, announced on Wednesday by Cynthia Rowe, Development Director of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), allows British citizens to travel freely to the state.
Rowe explained that Kaduna had been classified as “Red” since 2022 due to security concerns but was upgraded following notable improvements in security under Governor Uba Sani’s administration. She said the reclassification acknowledges the state government’s progress in tackling insecurity and sends a strong message to potential investors.
The announcement coincided with the signing of a new Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) between the FCDO and the Kaduna State Government. The agreement is designed to strengthen collaboration in governance, health, education, and agriculture.
Governor Sani, who signed the pact alongside Rowe, outlined the achievements of the partnership so far, including reduced maternal and child mortality, improved access to healthcare, and investments in school infrastructure and teacher training.
He further disclosed that more than 10 percent of Kaduna’s 2025 budget has been earmarked to boost crop and livestock production. Other reforms currently underway include the Local Government Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (LFTAS) initiative, Issue-Based Projects, and Community Development Charters—all aimed at promoting citizen participation and reinforcing public institutions.