The Federal Government has launched plans to develop light rail projects in key northern states, beginning with Kaduna and Kano, in a move aimed at improving transportation and economic activity across the region.
Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, made the disclosure during a two-day interactive session on infrastructure, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna.
According to a press release signed by Suleiman Haruna, Director of Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, on Wednesday, July 30, the initiative is being supported through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
The statement quoted Alkali as saying, “The Federal Government has commenced plans to support light rail projects in key Northern States, starting with Kaduna and Kano, as part of efforts to enhance public transportation and boost economic productivity in the region.”
Providing updates on other infrastructure initiatives, the Minister said 3,112 housing units under the Renewed Hope Cities (RHC) project have been completed in Abuja, with Kano having 1,500 units and an additional 500-unit estate.
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He added that “250-unit estates are being planned in each state, with those in Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue States completed.”
He further revealed that the projects would have significant economic impact, stating that they will “create over 250,000 jobs across various sites, with workers earning an average monthly pay of ₦150,000.”
He also noted that the initiatives are expected to “stimulate the creation of building material hubs and attract over ₦70 billion in private investment.”
Alkali also touched on the progress of key railway projects. According to him, “53% of the standard gauge Kaduna-Kano railway modernisation project has been completed,” while the Kano-Maradi railway has reached 61% completion. A 61-kilometre section of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway has also been completed and is currently in use.
The government’s renewed focus on transport and housing infrastructure, particularly in the North, is part of a broader push to stimulate regional development and employment.