UK lifts Kaduna travel ban, upgrades state to ‘amber’

The United Kingdom has officially lifted its travel restrictions on Kaduna State, upgrading it from the “Red” to the “Amber” category in its foreign travel advisory — a move that reflects renewed international confidence in the state’s security landscape.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during the signing of the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework between the Kaduna State Government and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The UK had placed Kaduna on its “Red” list in 2022 due to rising insecurity, including banditry and insurgent attacks that forced school closures and displaced thousands.

Under the new “Amber” category, British nationals can now travel to Kaduna with fewer restrictions, although the UK still advises caution in some rural areas.

The KaMAF agreement, signed by Governor Uba Sani and the UK’s Development Director for Nigeria, Cynthia Rowe, seeks to strengthen collaboration in governance, education, health, agriculture, and institutional reforms.

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.

The governor also pointed to ongoing reform initiatives such as the Local Government Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability programme, Issue-Based Projects, and Community Development Charters, which he said were designed to deepen citizen participation and institutionalise accountability.

“Our commitment is clear: we are building institutions that outlive administrations, ensuring citizens have a say in how they are governed,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Rowe commended Kaduna’s progress in security and reforms, explaining that the reclassification was a recognition of the strides achieved 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.

“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.

Rowe emphasised that the UK would continue to support Kaduna through KaMAF, stressing that the framework was “not just about signing agreements, but about concrete action—supporting Kaduna’s growth, strengthening its institutions, and ensuring no one is left behind in the development process.”

The lifting of travel restrictions is expected to boost investor confidence and attract more international development projects to Kaduna, a state often regarded as the gateway to Northern Nigeria.