The Federal Government has approved the construction of a ₦1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service for Kano State in order to modernising urban transportation and catalysing economic growth in northern Nigeria,
The approval was disclosed on Thursday by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf while addressing members of the state’s contingent that participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Borno State. A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed that the decision had been formally communicated to stakeholders.
“The Federal Government has approved the construction of a ₦1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service for Kano State in a major move aimed at transforming urban transportation,” the statement read.
Governor Yusuf described the project as a landmark intervention that would deliver a modern, efficient, and affordable mass transit system linking key districts of the Kano metropolis, thereby enhancing mobility, stimulating trade and boosting investment across the city.
“The Kano Metropolitan Rail Service will transform public transportation in the state by providing a reliable, safe and affordable means of movement for residents across the metropolis,” the governor was quoted as saying.
The rail service is expected to elevate Kano’s status as a transportation hub in northern Nigeria, improve the quality of life for residents, and ease chronic traffic congestion that has long challenged the densely populated city.
Governor Yusuf attributed the milestone to the renewed political alignment between his administration and the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the strategic realignment was driven by a desire to attract large-scale development projects to the state.
“Our decision to work closely with the Federal Government is guided by the interest of the Kano people and the urgent need to attract critical infrastructure that will drive development and economic growth,” he added.
In affirming his administration’s commitment to seamless execution, Yusuf pledged that the state government would collaborate closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure transparency and maximal benefits for the public.
The approval of the rail project aligns with broader federal efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, particularly in key urban and economic centres across the country.
