Photo: Gov Uba Sani and UK’s Development Director for Nigeria, Cynthia Rowe, and others at KaMAF signing
… Reclassification from “Red” to “Amber” seen as vote of confidence
By Sodeeq Kamsela, Abuja
The United Kingdom has lifted its travel restrictions on Kaduna State, moving it from the “Red” to the “Amber” category in its foreign travel advisory, a shift that signals renewed confidence in the state’s improving security situation.
The announcement was made Wednesday during the signing of the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) between the Kaduna State Government and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Kaduna was placed on the “Red” list in 2022 amid escalating banditry and insurgent attacks that shuttered schools and displaced thousands of residents. With the reclassification, British nationals may now travel to Kaduna with fewer restrictions, though caution is still advised in some rural areas.
The KaMAF pact, endorsed by Governor Uba Sani and the UK’s Development Director for Nigeria, Cynthia Rowe, seeks to deepen collaboration in governance, education, health, agriculture, and institutional reforms.
Governor Sani hailed the development as “a major vote of confidence in Kaduna’s resilience and reform agenda,” noting strides made in restoring stability and promoting inclusive growth.
“Through partnerships like this, we have reduced maternal and child mortality, improved access to primary healthcare, and upgraded hundreds of classrooms across the state,” he said. “More than 10 per cent of our 2025 budget is already committed to boosting crop and livestock productivity. The UK’s decision only strengthens our resolve to deliver inclusive growth.”
The governor also highlighted initiatives such as the Local Government Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability programme, Issue-Based Projects, and Community Development Charters, designed to deepen citizen engagement and institutionalise accountability.
He stressed that the easing of restrictions would likely boost investor confidence and attract more international development projects to Kaduna, which he described as the “gateway to Northern Nigeria.”
Rowe, in her remarks, praised Kaduna’s progress on security and reforms, stressing that the UK’s decision was anchored on concrete improvements recorded over the past two years.
“Kaduna had been on the ‘Red’ list since 2022 because of security concerns. We are pleased to note the significant progress made, especially in rural areas, and the state’s renewed commitment to protecting lives and property,” she said.
“This reclassification to the ‘Amber’ category reflects that progress. It also sends a strong signal to investors and development partners that Kaduna is open for business.”
Rowe added that the UK’s support through KaMAF goes beyond agreements on paper. “It is about concrete action — supporting Kaduna’s growth, strengthening its institutions, and ensuring no one is left behind in the development process.”
