Kaduna, Kano to get light rail as FG launches Northern transport drive

The Federal Government has officially commenced support for light rail infrastructure projects in Northern Nigeria, beginning with Kaduna and Kano States, in a bid to improve public transportation and enhance economic productivity across the region.

Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, made the announcement during an infrastructure-focused discussion at a two-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna. He revealed that the initiative is receiving backing from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The Minister also provided updates on the ongoing Renewed Hope Cities (RHC) housing initiative. According to him, 3,112 housing units have been completed in Abuja, with 1,500 units delivered in Kano, alongside an additional 500-unit estate.

Other states such as Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue now have completed 250-unit estates each.

Alkali stated that the combined housing projects are expected to generate more than 250,000 job opportunities, with an average monthly salary of ₦150,000 for workers.

He added that the initiative will spur the establishment of building materials hubs and draw over ₦70 billion in private sector investments.

On the railway modernisation programme, the Minister disclosed that the standard gauge Kaduna-Kano railway project has reached 53% completion, while work on the Kano-Maradi corridor is at 61%.

Read Also: Nigerian Nurses strike over 40 Years of neglect, vow to continue until FG acts

Additionally, a 61-kilometre segment of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line has been completed and is now operational.