The Federal Government on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, officially flagged off light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano states as part of efforts to modernize Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
The ceremony, which took place in Kaduna, marked the commencement of a ₦100 billion Kaduna Intra-City Light Rail project funded under the 2025 federal budget.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, said the initiative was designed to ease urban congestion and create thousands of jobs. He noted that the Kaduna light rail system will cover major commercial routes within the city and is expected to commence full construction in September 2025.
A similar project in Kano has been allocated ₦150 billion, with groundwork already underway as part of the broader Kaduna–Kano railway modernization plan.
President Bola Tinubu, represented at the event, emphasized that rail development remains central to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He assured citizens that the federal government would work closely with state governments to ensure timely completion and long-term sustainability of the rail projects.