The Federal Government has approved the construction of a ₦1 trillion Kano Metropolitan Rail Service, a major infrastructure project aimed at transforming urban transportation, boosting economic activity and easing traffic congestion in Kano State.
The approval came two days after Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment between the state government and the Federal Government.
Governor Yusuf disclosed the approval while addressing members of the Kano State contingent who participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Borno State. The development was later confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
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According to the statement, the metropolitan rail project is designed to provide a modern, efficient and affordable mass transit system that will connect major districts within the Kano metropolis.
“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 said the rail system would significantly enhance mobility within the state capital, reduce traffic congestion and stimulate trade, investment and economic growth.
“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,” he was quoted as saying.
The governor also linked the approval to his administration’s decision to politically realign with the Federal Government under the APC, stressing that the move was taken in the best interest of the people of Kano 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,” Yusuf said.
He described the rail project as a landmark intervention that would improve the quality of life of residents and reposition Kano as a major transportation and commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Yusuf assured that the Kano State Government would collaborate closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure the smooth implementation, transparency and timely delivery of the project, while maximising its benefits for residents.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving the project, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting federal initiatives through enabling policies and complementary infrastructure development.
The Kano Metropolitan Rail Service is expected to become one of the largest urban rail projects in Northern Nigeria, with far-reaching implications for mobility, employment generation and regional economic integration.
