FG to commence Kaduna two-corridor light rail project next month

The announcement was made in a broadcast by AIT News on Saturday following a meeting between officials of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and representatives of the Kaduna State Government, including Governor Uba Sani.

The project is one of three federally approved light rail systems planned for Kaduna, Kano and Lagos. It is now moving into the execution phase after the completion of technical assessments and route evaluations.

The AIT News broadcast stated that all necessary processes had been finalised to enable contractors to mobilise to site within the next month, marking a transition from planning to implementation.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the project as a transformative intervention aligned with the state’s vision of developing an efficient and integrated transport system, particularly in response to growing urban mobility demands.

Speaking during the engagement, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, said technical assessments of the proposed routes had been completed.

The Red Line will run from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha, passing through key commercial districts, while the Yellow Line will connect Millennium City to Rigasa Railway Station, linking residential areas with a major transport hub.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the approval covers the Lagos Green Line (Phase 1A), Kano Metro Rail, and Kaduna Light Rail projects.

He explained that the projects align with the federal government’s 2025 and 2026 capital expenditure plans. Oyedele added that funding will be implemented through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) under a public–private partnership framework.

He further noted that Lagos, Kano and Kaduna were prioritised due to their economic importance and potential to improve urban mobility and infrastructure delivery.

Nairametrics earlier in July 2025, former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali said the Federal Government had begun plans to support light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano to improve public transport and boost economic activity. The initiative is being delivered through MOFI under a public–private partnership model.

Phase 1 runs from Lekki First Tollgate to Epe, while a later phase extends to Marina with a water-crossing segment. However, experts have raised concerns over station spacing and accessibility, warning that gaps along the corridor could affect ridership and urging better integration with existing transport networks.