By Eshiorameh Sebastian
The United Kingdom government has revised its travel advisory for Kaduna State, moving it from the most severe “Red” classification to “Amber,” effectively lifting the ban on all but essential travel for British citizens.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Development Director of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ms. Cynthia Rowe, during a ceremony for the signing of a new Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) with the Kaduna State Government.
Kaduna State had been on the UK’s “Red” list since 2022, a status that advised against all travel to the region due to high security risks. The downgrade to “Amber” means the FCDO now advises that travel to the state is permitted, though caution is still advised.
Ms. Rowe explicitly linked the decision to the sustained efforts of Governor Uba Sani’s administration in tackling the state’s security challenges.
Kaduna State had been on ‘Red’ since 2022 but was now reclassified to ‘Amber’ due to Governor Uba Sani’s persistent efforts in addressing security challenges, Rowe stated. She emphasised that the new advisory reflects the UK’s recognition of the tangible progress made on the ground.
In his response, Governor Uba Sani hailed the decision as a powerful testament to the success of his government’s peace and security initiatives. He stated that the reclassification is a milestone that will have profound positive implications for the state’s economy.
He said the UK Government’s acknowledgement of these sustained efforts is a strong testament to the impact of his government’s peace and security initiatives, Governor Sani said.
This is a clear signal to the international community and investors that Kaduna State is once again safe and open for business. It reinforces our commitment to creating a secure and prosperous environment for our citizens and for those who wish to invest here.
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