Kaduna Free Bus Scheme Lifts 1.4m Passengers, Saves Citizens N1.39bn

Kaduna State government said its free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service has conveyed over 1.4 million passengers across four major routes between July and November 2025.

The state government said the free bus service saved residents over N1.39 billion in transport fares.

Presenting the figures during a media engagement in Kaduna yesterday, the commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the assessment was conducted to determine the real impact of the free-ride policy introduced by Governor Uba Sani, noting that, the numbers show a strong uptake that has far exceeded initial projections.

Maiyaki said the scheme, which started as a targeted intervention for state civil servants and students, was later expanded to accommodate all commuters moving along its designated routes. “From July 7 to the end of November, the buses have moved an impressive number of our people at zero cost,” he stated.

Maiyaki said a breakdown of the assessment showed that in Q3 2025, covering July, August and September, the buses lifted 683,650 passengers, representing the first wave of commuter response to the state’s transport subsidy.

He said the estimated fare value of those trips stood at N738.8 million, amounting to direct savings for citizens.

“Ridership surged even higher in the following two months. Between October and November, the service recorded 626,710 passengers, equivalent to an avoided fare cost of N667.2 million. October alone accounted for 339,530 passengers due to the reopening of schools and increasing intra-city movements” the commissioner stated.

“In total, Kaduna residents who rely on these four routes have saved N1.39 billion in just five months,” Maiyaki said, adding that the figures reaffirm the governor’s commitment to easing the economic pressure on households.

He highlighted that the buses operated across 200 bus stops in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan, with 30 CNG buses running daily from 7:00am to 6:00pm, “The routes include Tudun Wada–Kawo–Rigachikun, Rigachikun–Yakowa–Maraban Rido, Rigachikun–Kasuwa–Maraban Rido, and Rigasa–NEPA Roundabout.”

The commissioner added that, the average daily passenger lift stands at 18,426 commuters, translating to about 294,824 passengers monthly, stressing that each bus runs eight trips daily, reflecting both high demand and operational consistency.

He said the economic benefits go beyond free rides.

Maiyaki argued that the scheme has stimulated microeconomic activity, especially for small roadside traders previously displaced by past urban policies. “Kaduna’s economy suffered when thousands of small operators were pushed out. This intervention is gradually restoring mobility and livelihoods,” he explained.