The Federal Government is set to construct a light rail system in Kano metropolis worth N1.5 trillion (about 1 billion US dollars), according to the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Rep. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar.
Speaking to journalists in Kano, Abubakar, also known as Rep. Bichi, said the project will make transportation easier in the city and boost the state’s economy.
“The Kano metropolis light rail project, which is worth 1 billion US dollars, is preparing to be procured,” he explained. “For those who have travelled abroad, especially to Europe and Asia, you’ve seen such projects and know their importance. This will add great value to Kano’s economy when completed.”
The lawmaker dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not paying attention to northern Nigeria. He said Tinubu has initiated major projects in the region covering infrastructure, health, agriculture, education, and security.
On infrastructure, Abubakar listed ongoing and completed projects:
- Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road: almost completed.
- Kaduna–Abuja road (about 400 km): contract revoked from the initial company, reawarded, and work is progressing well. Expected completion — first quarter of next year.
- 200 km Kano–Hadejia road: completed.
- Kano Northern Bypass road: cost the government over N250 billion.
He stressed that these developments prove the president’s commitment to the north.
Abubakar was in Kano for an APC stakeholders’ meeting to plan ahead of the 2027 general elections. He reminded party members that Kano gave President Tinubu over 500,000 votes in the last election — the highest from any state — and urged them to continue supporting the president and former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
“Ganduje did extremely well as APC National Chairman, delivering many PDP states to our party,” he said.
The light rail project, when completed, is expected to change the face of transportation in Kano, reducing traffic, saving travel time, and creating jobs for residents.
