The United Kingdom has lifted its travel ban on Kaduna State, moving it from the “Red” to the “Amber” category in its travel advisory, a clear sign of growing international confidence in the state’s improving security situation.
The announcement came during the signing of the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) between Kaduna State Government and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Wednesday.
Kaduna was placed on the UK’s “Red” list in 2022 amid escalating insecurity from banditry and insurgent violence that led to school closures and mass displacement.
With the upgrade to “Amber,” British travelers can now visit Kaduna with fewer restrictions, though caution is still advised in some rural communities.
Governor Uba Sani and Cynthia Rowe, the UK’s Development Director for Nigeria, signed the KaMAF agreement, aimed at deepening cooperation in governance, education, health, agriculture and institutional reforms.
Governor Sani hailed the development as a “major endorsement of Kaduna’s resilience and reform efforts,” pointing to significant achievements in healthcare, education, and agricultural development under his administration.
“Over 10 percent of our 2025 budget is dedicated to enhancing crop and livestock productivity. This UK decision further motivates us to deliver inclusive growth,” he said.
The governor also highlighted initiatives such as the Local Government Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability programme, Issue-Based Projects, and Community Development Charters, designed to promote citizen engagement and ensure accountability.
“Our focus remains on building lasting institutions that transcend administrations, giving citizens a meaningful role in governance,” Sani added.
Cynthia Rowe praised Kaduna’s strides in security and reform, noting that the travel advisory upgrade reflects “significant improvements, especially in rural areas.”
“This change signals to investors and development partners that Kaduna is open for business,” she said, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to support Kaduna through KaMAF.
Rowe emphasized that KaMAF represents more than agreements on paper; it is about delivering real progress, supporting growth, strengthening institutions and ensuring inclusive development.
