The Federal Government has begun strategic support for light rail projects in Northern Nigeria, with Kaduna and Kano States selected as pilot locations.

This initiative aims to enhance public transportation and stimulate economic productivity in the region.

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

He stated that the projects are receiving financial backing through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

Highlighting progress on the Renewed Hope Cities (RHC) Project, Alkali revealed that 3,112 housing units have been completed in Abuja, while Kano has 1,500 units along with an additional 500-unit estate.

He added that 250-unit estates are being developed in each state, with completed projects in Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue.

“These projects are expected to create over 250,000 jobs across various sites, with workers earning an average monthly wage of ₦150,000. They will also lead to the development of building materials hubs and attract over ₦70 billion in private investment,” the minister said.

On rail infrastructure, Alkali reported that the Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway modernisation project has reached 53% completion, while the Kano-Maradi line is 61% complete. He also announced that a 61-kilometre segment of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line has been completed and is now operational.