The Federal Government says it will soon begin construction of light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano to boost regional integration and modernise transport infrastructure. The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, made the announcement in Kaduna on Wednesday during a forum hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation. He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Alkali said the projects are being implemented through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and highlighted progress on existing rail lines. He revealed that the Kaduna–Kano standard gauge rail, which was at 15 percent completion in May 2023, has now reached 53 percent. Similarly, the Kano–Maradi line has progressed from five to 61 percent, while a 61-kilometre stretch of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail is now operational.
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The minister noted that the Lagos–Kano narrow gauge railway is also undergoing rehabilitation to enhance freight movement and facilitate the use of inland dry ports in Kaduna and Kano. He credited President Tinubu’s engagement with Chinese authorities for unblocking funding and restarting stalled rail projects. He added that new transport terminals across the six geopolitical zones will feature compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling stations and security infrastructure.
On other developments, Alkali announced the revival of Daura Transport University and technician training for CNG vehicle conversion in Zaria. He also said over 3,000 housing units have been completed in Abuja, Kano and other northern states under the Renewed Hope Cities project, creating over 250,000 jobs. In the energy sector, the Rural Electrification Agency has deployed 32 mini-grids and 1,100 solar systems across five states in the north-east.
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