The Kaduna State Government has announced a major relief initiative for residents as it rolls out a six-month free transportation scheme targeted at students, civil servants, retirees, and security personnel across the state.

Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, made the disclosure in a statement released Tuesday, noting that the programme is part of the state’s broader social intervention aimed at easing the economic burden on critical segments of the population.

According to Engr. Ibrahim, the initiative will run for an initial six-month period during which eligible beneficiaries will enjoy completely free rides on the newly commissioned fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. This initiative follows the formal commissioning of 100 CNG-powered buses by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his working visit to Kaduna on June 19, 2025.

The beneficiaries include students from both public and private institutions—ranging from primary to tertiary level—who are required to be in full school uniform to access the buses. Civil servants must present a valid staff identity card along with a corresponding National Identification Number (NIN), while retirees and personnel from recognized security agencies will be required to show proper identification to qualify.

Engr. Ibrahim also revealed that after the six-month window, the state will implement a 60% fare subsidy for the general public, ensuring continued affordability and access to safe and clean transport options.

“The goal is to support those who form the backbone of our communities—our learners, workers, security forces, and the elderly,” Ibrahim said. “This is more than a transportation project; it’s a social equity initiative.”

He urged commuters to conduct themselves with order and discipline, cautioning against disorderly behaviour such as queue-jumping and crowding at bus stops. He assured that the scheme will be operated with strict adherence to safety, security, and efficiency protocols.