The Kaduna State Government is gradually inching towards realising its dream of a modern intra-city rail system, as Governor Uba Sani met with the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, in Abuja to fine-tune plans for the takeoff of the Kaduna Light Rail Project.

Specifically, the intra-modern rail system, when fully operational, will open up the state to more businesses and the movement of goods and services within the state.

The high-level meeting between the governor and the minister, held at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement that the Kaduna Light Rail has been included in the federal budget, signalling a major federal push for the ambitious project.

The President, during his recent one-day official visit to Kaduna State, disclosed that the Federal Government has allocated N100 billion for the Kaduna Light Rail Project in the 2025 budget, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to modern mass transit.

Sani described the light rail as a game changer that would not only ease mobility for millions of residents but also stimulate commerce, create jobs and enhance rural-urban integration across Kaduna State.

“This is a transformative initiative by our administration. Once completed, it will position Kaduna as a foremost transportation hub in Nigeria,” he told the minister.

The governor said the project would open up new economic corridors, reduce travel time, and support the state’s growing population by providing safe, reliable and affordable mass transit.

Responding, Alkali commended Sani for what he called his “people-centred governance approach,” stressing that the Federal Ministry of Transportation was fully on board to partner with Kaduna State to ensure the timely execution of the project.

“This is in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises modern infrastructure and inclusive development. The Federal Government is committed to seeing this through,” the minister assured.

The Kaduna light rail is among key transport infrastructure projects listed in the 2025 federal budget, following President Tinubu’s repeated pledges to support sub-national governments in rolling out critical infrastructure that can drive economic diversification.

Meanwhile, the residents and business leaders in Kaduna have welcomed the renewed momentum, expressing optimism that the light rail will transform commuting and also boost investments once completed.