The Federal Ministry of Transportation has expressed its commitment to collaborate with the Kaduna State Government to advance the development of the land transport sector, with a focus on enhancing connectivity, accessibility, and economic growth across Nigeria.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, made this known in Abuja while receiving the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who paid him a courtesy visit to propose a partnership with the federal ministry.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Senator Alkali emphasized the Ministry’s resolve to deliver on key infrastructural projects, notably the Kaduna–Kano segment of the railway modernization project, which is scheduled for completion by next year. He also referenced the Kano–Maradi line, including its extension to Dutse.
“All hands must be on deck to deliver the dividends of democracy,” Alkali stated, announcing that a committee will be inaugurated next week to fast-track the implementation of the Kaduna Light-Rail project.
The minister directed the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, to immediately constitute the committee, which will comprise representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and the Kaduna State Government. The committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks.
Commending Governor Sani for his remarkable strides in improving infrastructure in Kaduna State, Alkali pledged continued collaboration to ensure timely delivery of all railway modernization projects in the state and beyond.
“I give you the assurance that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with the sub-nationals to ensure the development of rail transportation in the country,” Alkali said, noting that “transportation is the gateway of the nation’s economy. There is no way any nation can fix its GDP without getting an affordable transportation sector.”
Governor Uba Sani, in his remarks, highlighted recent improvements in Kaduna’s transportation landscape. He disclosed that the state had launched a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme and introduced 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses five months ago, both of which have significantly eased transportation challenges in the state.
“Kaduna State today is one of the leading states in the area of transportation,” the governor said, while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for allocating N100 billion in the 2025 federal budget for the construction of the Kaduna Light-Rail Transit.
The new partnership signals a major step forward in achieving a sustainable and integrated transportation system that supports national development and improves the quality of life for Nigerians.
