By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

A United Nations award recipient, alongside humanitarian organisations, civil society groups, religious leaders and traditional title holders, have hailed Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for introducing a free mass transit bus scheme aimed at easing movement and reducing transportation costs for residents across the state.

The commendation was led by Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, a 2022 United Nations World international Interfaith Harmony Week award winner ,and National President of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to the Kaduna State Ministry of Information.

According to Pastor Dr. Buru, the delegation visited the ministry to express appreciation to the state government for making free bus services available to the public, describing the initiative as a timely and people-oriented intervention, especially in view of the current economic challenges facing many Nigerians.

He explained that civil society organisations working on peacebuilding and conflict prevention had conducted interviews with residents who regularly use the free buses to commute from their communities to workplaces, markets and other destinations. Most respondents, he said, expressed satisfaction with the scheme, noting that it has significantly reduced their transportation expenses and eased daily movement.

Students who were also interviewed stated that the free bus service has boosted their morale and encouraged school attendance, as they can now travel from their homes to schools without paying transport fares.

Pastor Dr. Buru noted that the initiative, which is the first of its kind in Kaduna State, has provided relief to civil servants, traders and low-income earners who had been struggling with rising transportation costs.

He added that residents view the scheme as a clear demonstration of the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people.

The delegation also extended New Year goodwill messages to the Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the Ministry of Information and the Kaduna State Government.

Also speaking, Malam Ibrahim Gambo, a traditional title holder Sarkin Gabas of Tudun Wada, Kaduna, and an Ambassador on Gender-Based Violence, commended the state government for the free bus initiative, saying it has helped residents in many ways by reducing the cost of transportation and easing the burden of daily commuting.

He said the group visited solely to thank the government for the programme, stressing that residents are happy with the service and its positive impact on their livelihoods. He added that the delegation would continue to pray for the success and progress of the administration.

He said,Residents further praised the professionalism and courteous conduct of the bus drivers and conductors, noting their adherence to safety and responsible driving practices. They also observed that the scheme has helped reduce traffic congestion, delays on major routes and pressure on commuters, particularly low-income earners.

Responding on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, thanked the visiting organisations, religious leaders and traditional rulers for their feedback and support.

He disclosed that Governor Uba Sani has approved the indefinite continuation of the Free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mass Transit Scheme following a review of its performance between July and November 2025.

According to the Commissioner, the scheme operates with 100 CNG-powered buses and 200 designated bus stops, and has transported more than 1.4 million passengers within five months, saving Kaduna households an estimated ₦1.39 billion in transportation costs.

“These figures go beyond statistics,” Maiyaki said. “They represent school fees paid, food on family tables, small businesses staying afloat, and thousands of citizens moving daily without the burden of transport costs.”

He added that the scheme currently serves over 18,000 residents daily, making it one of the most impactful social intervention programmes in the state.

Maiyaki further revealed that Governor Uba Sani, after witnessing the positive impact and listening to testimonies from commuters during field assessments, directed that the free bus service should continue without a fixed end date.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding safe, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation as part of its broader human capital development agenda.

He also commended Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru for his sustained efforts in promoting peace, unity and interfaith harmony in Kaduna State.