Kaduna Unveils ‘Kaduna Connect’ As Bus Rapid Transit Brand

Kaduna State government has adopted “Kaduna Connect” as the official name for its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, following the conclusion of a public naming competition aimed at promoting inclusivity and local identity in the state’s urban transport project.

The director-general (DG) of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, disclosed this at an event organised to honour the winner of the competition. He said the exercise aligned with global best practices in BRT development.

Ibrahim said cities across the world adopt names for their BRT systems that reflect cultural heritage and urban identity, often through public participation, citing Johannesburg’s “Rea Vaya” and Cape Town’s “MyCiTi” in South Africa as examples.

The DG explained that several entries were received from students and members of the public, with shortlisted options including “Croc City” and “Kada Line”, before “Kaduna Connect” emerged as the preferred name through a public opinion poll.

According to him, the name reflects Kaduna’s strategic position as a link between different parts of Nigeria, symbolising connectivity, movement and integration.

“The choice of ‘Kaduna Connect’ underscores the role of the state as a meeting point between the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, while also reflecting our vision for a modern, integrated transport system,” he said.

On the project timeline, the KADSTRA boss reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the BRT system by 2027, noting that the project has progressed beyond the planning phase and is nearing completion of its design.

He said, “We are almost at 90 per cent completion of the design stage. By May, we expect to conclude the procurement process, and by June, construction will commence on site.”

Ibrahim said the BRT project is designed to provide a sustainable, efficient, affordable and reliable transportation system for residents, noting that urban mobility requires continuous planning and long-term investment.

He added that the system, when completed, would significantly enhance intra-city movement, reduce travel time and improve the overall quality of life in the Kaduna metropolis.

The BRT initiative is part of the state government’s broader efforts to modernise its transport infrastructure and address the growing demand for efficient urban mobility.

The winner of the competition, Khalifa Abdulkadir Haruna, a medical student at Kaduna State University (KASU), expressed excitement over his victory, describing it as both surprising and fulfilling.

He said the idea behind ‘Kaduna Connect’ was inspired by the state’s cultural diversity and the need to unite people across different ethnic, religious and geographical backgrounds.