The Nigerian government has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Kaduna state government in northwestern Nigeria to construct light rail projects to improve the state’s transportation system.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Ahmed Alkali, assured Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State during a visit with the state delegation, seeking the Federal Government’s support for constructing a light rail in the state through a collaboration in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Alkali emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Kaduna State government and the Federal Ministry of Transportation on the project.
The Minister stated that the transportation sector is crucial for the nation’s economy, as no country can improve its GDP without an affordable transportation system.
“Upon assuming the role of Minister of Transportation, President Tinubu instructed me to ensure the timely completion of all railway projects under the railway partnership.
“Your Excellency, the Ministry is pleased with your developmental metrics, which align with the renewed hope Agenda prioritizing transportation in your State.”
“When President Tinubu visited China for a meeting with President Xi Jinping, he aimed to ensure the delivery of our projects from Ibadan to Abuja, from Kaduna to Kano, and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
“Your Excellency, I assure you that we will complete the Kaduna to Kano segment of the railway modification project by next year, 2026. We will also finish the Kano to Maradi segment, including a branch line to Dutse, by next year as well.
The Minister further gave the assurances and support of Mr President, that the Ministry would collaborate with the sub-nationals to ensure the development of the rail transportation sector in the country,
“We want to do the groundbreaking as quickly as possible. The committee will submit a report within two weeks, and you are directed to come to your inaugural meeting”. Senator Alkali reiterated.
Similarly the Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, earlier in his remarks, appreciated the minister for repositioning the rail transportation system within and outside the country.
Senator Sani noted that the thrust of his visit was to further the state’s collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and also to thank the minister for giving the necessary support.
Governor Sani noted that Kaduna state is one of the states leading in the area of transportation, the transportation hub in the whole of northern Nigeria, and second to none after Lagos.
“A few weeks ago, President Bola Ahmed visited Kaduna to commission our 100 CNG buses, and he acknowledged that Kaduna is leading the way. Additionally, five months ago we conducted the groundbreaking for our Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which will include a kilometers-long corridor and our bus terminal. I am confident that this project will be the first of its kind in Nigeria.
The state is collaborating with the Ministers of Transportation and Finance, along with all relevant stakeholders, to make the light rail project in Kaduna a reality. The Governor stressed.
Olusola Akintonde