FG approves Kano light rail worth $1bn

Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Rep. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, has said that the Federal Government has approved plans to construct a light rail line in Kano metropolis at a cost of $1 billion (about ₦1.5 trillion).

Making this known while speaking with the press in Kano, Rep. Abubakar, who represents Bichi Federal Constituency, said the project was aimed at easing transportation challenges in the city.

According to him, “The Kano metropolis light rail project, which is worth one billion US dollars, equivalent to ₦1.5 trillion, is preparing to be procured.”

“For those who have travelled abroad, especially to Europe and Asia, they have seen such projects and know their importance. The project will immensely add value to the economy of the state when completed,” he said.

He, however, dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was neglecting the northern region, saying the administration had initiated key projects across infrastructure, health, agriculture, education, and security.

He stated that, “It is funny for some people to say President Tinubu is not interested in this part of the country. I am the Chairman of Appropriation, and I know what the President has done for the north.”

“We need to be realistic, put sentiments aside, and tell ourselves the truth about President Bola Tinubu. The President has initiated so many laudable projects in the northern part of the country.”

Listing some of the ongoing projects, Rep. Abubakar said the Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road was nearing completion, while the 400km Kaduna–Abuja road had been re-awarded to a new contractor after the initial contract was revoked.

“The new contractor has moved to site and has done well so far,” he added. “Based on my discussion with the Minister of Works, the project would be completed before the end of the first quarter of next year.”

He noted that the 200km Kano–Hadejia road project had been completed, while the Kano Northern Bypass, which cost the government over ₦250 billion, was also part of the administration’s achievements.

He disclosed that he was in Kano for an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting to map out strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Last general elections, we gave the President over 500,000 votes in Kano, which was the highest in the country. So, we want to strategise ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

He then emphasised that the meeting was also to show support to Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. “The man has done extremely well when he was the National Chairman of the APC. He has delivered so many PDP states to the APC,” he added.

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