The Federal Government has initiated 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.

Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, disclosed this while chairing a discussion on infrastructure during the two-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna.

He noted that the project is being supported through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

Speaking on the Renewed Hope Cities (RHC) Project, the minister revealed that 3,112 housing units have been completed in Abuja, while Kano has 1,500 units and an additional 500-unit estate. In other states, 250-unit estates are being planned, with those in Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue states already completed.

In a statement, Suleiman Haruna, Director of Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, said the projects will create over 250,000 jobs across various sites, with workers earning an average monthly salary of ₦150,000. They will also stimulate the creation of building material hubs and attract over ₦70 billion in private investment.

Speaking on the standard gauge Kaduna-Kano railway modernisation project, the minister said 53 per cent has been completed. In the same vein, he mentioned that the Kano-Maradi project was 61 per cent completed. Additionally, he stated that a section of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri (61 km) route has been completed and put into use.