Cynthia Ezegwu
The Federal Government on Monday announced that it has secured about ₦250 billion in funding for the development of light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano States.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this at a world press conference in Abuja. He said the projects, which would receive ₦150 billion and ₦100 billion for Kano and Kaduna respectively, are part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive to promote balanced and inclusive development across the country.
“Contrary to the perception being pushed in some quarters, this administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to equitable development since assuming office,” Idris said.
The minister added that local governments are being fiscally reintegrated as catalysts for growth, with Tinubu determined to ensure full financial autonomy at that level.
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He further explained that states are now receiving higher revenues from the federation account, thanks to the removal of petrol subsidy. According to him, this has created fiscal space that enables subnational governments to deliver more infrastructure with less debt.
Idris stressed that the light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano represent the administration’s commitment to supporting subnational infrastructure and ensuring no region is left behind in national development.