The federal government has commenced plans to support light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano, as part of efforts to enhance public transportation and boost economic productivity in the northern region.
This was stated in a report on Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation of Nigeria X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The report stated that Saidu Alkali, minister of transportation, disclosed this while chairing a discussion on infrastructure during a 2-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna.
Read also: FG, Kaduna target seamless transit with light rail project
Alkali noted that the project is being supported through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
Speaking on the Renewed Hope Cities (RHC) Project, he 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 in each state, with those in Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue States completed.
According to him, the projects will create over 250,000 jobs across various sites, with workers earning an average monthly pay of N150,000.
Read also: Abuja Light Rail achieves 250,000 passengers in 100 days
“They will also stimulate the creation of building material hubs and attract over N70 billion in private investment,” Alkali said.
Speaking on the standard gauge Kaduna-Kano railway modernisation project, the minister said 53 percent has been completed.
In the same vein, he mentioned the Kano-Maradi as 61 percent completed. Additionally, a section of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri (61 km) has been finished and put into use.
