The Federal Government has announced plans to construct a modern light rail system in Kano metropolis, valued at approximately $1 billion (₦1.5 trillion). Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Kano.
According to Bichi, the project aims to ease transportation challenges within Kano city and boost the state’s economy. “Those who have traveled to Europe and Asia understand the value of such projects. When completed, the light rail will greatly enhance economic activities in Kano,” he said.
The lawmaker dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is neglecting northern Nigeria, insisting that the president has initiated several transformative projects in the region, covering infrastructure, health, agriculture, education, and security.
Highlighting some of these projects, Bichi mentioned the Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road, now nearing completion; the 400km Kaduna–Abuja road, re-awarded to a new contractor after revocation of the previous contract, and on track for completion in the first quarter of next year; the completed 200km Kano–Hadejia road; and the Kano Northern Bypass, which cost over ₦250 billion.
Bichi also revealed that his visit to Kano was part of an APC stakeholders’ meeting to strategize ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that Kano delivered over 500,000 votes for President Tinubu in 2023 the highest from any state. He praised Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje for his leadership as APC National Chairman, saying he played a key role in winning several PDP-controlled states for the party.
