By Adamu Yusuf
The Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Inuwa Ibrahim, has formally presented the award to the winner of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) naming competition, with the system officially christened “Kaduna Connect.”
Speaking at the award ceremony, Inuwa Ibrahim said naming BRT systems through public competitions is a global best practice adopted by cities operating Bus Rapid Transit networks.
He cited examples from South Africa, where Johannesburg operates Rea Vaya and Cape Town runs MyCiTi, noting that such names often reflect the culture, identity, and values of their host cities.
The DG explained that several entries were submitted by students and institutions across Kaduna State and later subjected to a public opinion poll.
According to him, after a transparent selection process, “Kaduna Connect” emerged as the winning name, having received the highest number of votes.
The Director-General said the name reflects Kaduna’s strategic position as a link between the northern and southern parts of the country, while the crocodile symbol embedded in the design represents the city’s unique identity.
He added that the competition was aimed at encouraging public participation and fostering a sense of ownership of the project.
On the project timeline, Inuwa Ibrahim reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to meeting the 2027 operational target.
He disclosed that the BRT project has moved beyond the planning stage and is currently about 90 percent completed at the design phase.
According to him, the procurement process is expected to be concluded by May, while construction is scheduled to commence in June, expressing optimism that visible construction activities will begin by mid-year.
Also speaking at the event, the Project Coordinator of the Kaduna State Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT), Engr. Yamusa Bello Yamusa, explained that the project is a flagship initiative of the Kaduna State Government aimed at modernising urban transportation.
He said the KBRT project spans 24 kilometres, connecting key areas from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha, and will feature dedicated corridors, 30 stations, and a major terminal in Kakuri.
According to him, the system will operate 120 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses to reduce emissions, ease traffic congestion, and lower transportation costs for residents.
Also in his remarks, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Hamza, commended the initiative, describing it as a landmark project in the transformation of Kaduna’s transport sector.
He assured residents of the state government’s full support for the successful implementation of the BRT project, noting that it aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s vision of sustainable infrastructure development and efficient public transportation.
During the event, the Commissioner presented a gift to the winner of the naming competition.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria Kaduna, the winner of the BRT naming competition, Khalifa AbdulKadeer Haruna, expressed joy and excitement over his selection.
He said he was surprised when informed that his entry had emerged as the winning submission, describing the moment as emotional.
Khalifa explained that the inspiration behind “Kaduna Connect” was drawn from the state’s rich cultural diversity, noting that the name symbolises unity, interaction, and peaceful coexistence among people of different ethnic, religious, and linguistic backgrounds.
Other participants, including students, youth leaders, and stakeholders from the transportation sector, described the competition as inclusive and innovative.
They praised the Kaduna State Government for involving citizens, particularly young people, in shaping public infrastructure projects and called for sustained public engagement in future initiatives.
