Dare Babalola
The United Kingdom has officially revised its travel advisory for Kaduna State, moving it from the ‘Red’ to the ‘Amber’ category, a change that allows British citizens to travel freely to the state
This move reflects renewed international confidence in the state’s security landscape.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Cynthia Rowe, Development Director of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), during the signing of a new Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) with the state government in Kaduna.
Rowe explained that Kaduna had been classified as “Red” since 2022 due to security concerns but was reclassified as “Amber” following significant improvements in the state’s security situation.
The director described the change as recognition of Governor Uba Sani’s efforts in addressing insecurity and said it sends a strong signal to prospective investors.
“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.
“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,” she said.
The KaMAF agreement, signed by Sani on behalf of Kaduna State and Rowe on behalf of the FCDO, is designed to build on existing progress in areas such as governance, health, education, and agriculture.
Sani described the development as “a major vote of confidence in Kaduna’s resilience and reform agenda”, noting that the UK’s decision underscored the progress his administration had made in restoring stability and driving 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.
“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 said.
Sani also disclosed that reform initiatives such as the Local Government Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (LFTAS) programme, Issue-Based Projects, and Community Development Charters are also being implemented to increase citizen engagement and strengthen institutions.
“Our commitment is clear: we are building institutions that outlive administrations, ensuring citizens have a say in how they are governed,” he added.
