FG to Begin Construction of Light Rail Line in Top Northern State as Details Emerge
- The federal government has announced plans to build a N1.5 trillion light rail line in Kano to ease transportation and boost the state’s economy
- Rep. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar announced the update and highlighted ongoing northern projects, including the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano rail nearing completion
- During an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, Abubakar stressed northern development under President Tinubu and discussed strategies to build on Kano’s strong electoral support ahead of 2027
The federal government has announced plans to construct a light rail line in Kano metropolis, a project valued at N1.5 trillion, aimed at improving transportation within the city.
Project details and expected impact
Source: Twitter
Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, revealed the details while speaking to journalists in Kano.
He said the project, equivalent to one billion US dollars, is being prepared for procurement.
“For those who have travelled abroad, especially in Europe and Asia, they have seen such projects and understand their importance.
"The light rail will significantly boost the economy of Kano state when completed," Abubakar said.
President Tinubu’s focus on northern development
Addressing rumours that the northern region is neglected, Rep. Abubakar stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated key projects across infrastructure, health, agriculture, education, and security in northern Nigeria.
“It is surprising to hear claims that President Tinubu is not interested in this region. As chairman of appropriation, I know firsthand what he has done for the north,” he said.
Ongoing infrastructure projects in north
He highlighted ongoing works such as the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano rail project nearing completion, and the Kaduna-Abuja rail, where a new contractor has taken over and is making progress.
The latter is expected to finish by the first quarter of next year.
Additionally, Abubakar mentioned the recently completed 200km Kano-Hadejia road and the Kano northern bypass road, which cost over N250 billion.
APC stakeholders meet ahead of 2027 elections
Source: Twitter
The lawmaker added that his visit to Kano was also for the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting to strategise for the 2027 general elections.
“In the last elections, Kano gave President Tinubu over 500,000 votes, the highest in the country. We want to build on that success ahead of 2027,” he said.
The meeting also aimed to show support for Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, whom Abubakar praised for his role as APC National Chairman and for winning several former PDP states for the party.
ADC chieftains tasks FG on transparency
Gbe Benjamin, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged the Federal Government to ensure transparency in the proposed N1.5 trillion Kano light rail project.
Speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, August 10, Benjamin warned:
“This project must not become another channel for siphoning public funds under the guise of development. Every naira should be accounted for, and the people of Kano must see real value for such a huge investment.”
Speeding train rams into hilux pickup in Lagos
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a moving train collided with a Toyota Hilux pickup truck at a level crossing in the Mushin area of Lagos on Sunday, July 21.
The accident occurred at approximately 4:30pm at the Ilupeju Bypass, according to a tweet by Ajetunmobi Ridwan Olawale, senior special assistant on media to the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanw-Olu.
Source: Legit.ng
