The government of the United Kingdom, UK has lifted its travel ban on Kaduna State, Nigeria, upgrading the region from the “Red” to the “Amber” category in its foreign travel advisory.
The UK government made this known during the signing of the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework between the Kaduna State Government and its agency, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Cynthia Rowe, Development Director of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said the UK lifted its travel ban on Kaduna State following the state’s improved security and governance.
Rowe said this means British citizens are now free to travel to Kaduna state for the first time since 2022.
Rowe added that reclassification reflects the strides of the Kaduna State government in addressing security challenges, including banditry and insurgent activities, which had previously placed Kaduna on the UK’s “Red” list since 2022.
She credited Governor Uba Sani’s administration for its efforts in restoring stability,
She said: “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.”
Rowe also 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.”
She added that lifting of travel ban will boost investor confidence and attract more international development projects to Kaduna.
In his address, Kaduna Governor, 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.
He continued: “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 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.
