The United Kingdom has officially lifted its travel ban on Kaduna State, upgrading its security status from “Red” to “Amber,” a move that allows British citizens to visit the state freely for the first time since 2022. The announcement was made in Kaduna during the signing of a new Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) between the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Kaduna State Government.
Cynthia Rowe, Development Director of the FCDO, said the decision to ease restrictions was based on tangible improvements in security under Governor Uba Sani’s administration. She noted that the change not only recognizes progress in fighting insecurity but also signals confidence to international investors who had previously been cautious about engaging in the state.
The KaMAF deal, signed by Governor Sani and Rowe, sets out a renewed partnership to accelerate progress in key sectors including governance, health, education, and agriculture. Governor Sani highlighted that previous collaborations with the UK had already delivered results such as reduced maternal and child mortality rates, improved healthcare access, upgraded school facilities, and enhanced teacher training.
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He further disclosed that more than 10 percent of Kaduna’s 2025 budget has been earmarked for agriculture, focusing on boosting crop yields and livestock productivity. He also pointed to ongoing reform initiatives such as the Local Government Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (LFTAS) program, Issue-Based Projects, and Community Development Charters as evidence of Kaduna’s drive for institutional strengthening and citizen participation.
Governor Sani expressed optimism that the upgraded travel advisory and the signing of the new KaMAF would mark a turning point for Kaduna, positioning the state as a safe, resilient, and investor-friendly hub in Northern Nigeria.
With the UK’s endorsement and renewed collaboration, Kaduna appears set to open its doors wider to global partnerships and economic opportunities, signaling a new chapter in the state’s growth story.
