FG, Kaduna target seamless transit with light rail project

The federal government has partnered with the Kaduna state government to develop light rail infrastructure across the state as part of ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transport systems and ease mobility challenges.

Said Ahmed Alkali, minister of transportation, made this announcement when Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna State, led a delegation to the ministry to seek support for the project.

Alkali emphasised the importance of transportation in the nation’s economy, stating that no country can fix its GDP without an affordable transportation system.

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He assured the governor that the ministry would cooperate with Kaduna state to ensure the timely delivery of the light rail project, also noting that the permanent secretary of the ministry will set up an engagement committee comprising representatives from the ministry, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and the Kaduna State government.

“The committee is expected to submit a report within two weeks with a design for the light rail project,” Alkali said.

The Kaduna state governor commended the minister for repositioning the rail transportation system and thanked him for his support.

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He noted that addressing transportation-related issues would also address other pressing issues such as job creation and productivity enhancement.

He also revealed that President Bola Tinubu had selected Kaduna State for the light rail project and had released N100 billion as the first installment to support the project.

He expressed confidence that the groundbreaking ceremony for the light rail project would take place in September, making the state the next state to have a light rail system in Nigeria after Lagos State.