The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Kaduna State Government on the development of a light rail system aimed at transforming the state’s transportation infrastructure.
This commitment was made by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, during a meeting with Governor Uba Sani and his delegation in Abuja.
The Minister described the proposal from the Kaduna State Government as both “apt and timely,” noting that an efficient transport network is fundamental to economic development.
“Transportation is the gateway to any nation’s economy,” Alkali emphasized.
“No nation can improve its GDP without providing affordable transportation options for its citizens.”
He further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had tasked him with ensuring the timely delivery of railway projects across the country. Alkali highlighted that during the President’s recent visit to China, he secured commitments from President Xi Jinping to support critical railway developments, including the Kaduna-Kano corridor.
“In line with these agreements,” Alkali said, “we are set to deliver the Kaduna to Kano segment of the railway modernization project by next year. The Kano to Maradi route, including a branch line to Dutse, will also be completed within the same timeline.”
Reinforcing the President’s directive, Alkali assured that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would actively collaborate with sub-national governments like Kaduna to strengthen the country’s rail sector. He stressed the federal commitment to ensuring the Kaduna Light Rail becomes a reality.
To kick-start the process, the minister instructed the ministry’s permanent secretary to establish a technical engagement committee. This body will include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and the Kaduna State Government to plan and design the light rail system.
Governor Uba Sani, on his part, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his leadership in revamping the rail sector.
He stated that Kaduna’s push for improved transportation infrastructure is aimed at addressing broader economic challenges such as unemployment and productivity. “Transportation is at the core of development,” Sani said, “and this collaboration will help unlock job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.”
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