The Federal Government has announced that it has secured about ₦250 billion in funding for the development of light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano States. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known during a World Press Conference on Monday in Abuja.
Idris explained that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to driving massive development across all parts of the country and ensuring that growth is balanced and inclusive. He dismissed perceptions of uneven distribution of capital projects, stressing that no region has been left behind under the current administration. He revealed that ₦150 billion has been secured for the Kano light rail project, while ₦100 billion has been earmarked for the Kaduna light rail project as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure at the sub-national level.
The minister also highlighted the government’s determination to empower Local Government Areas, noting that President Tinubu is committed to making financial autonomy for LGAs fully operational. He added that all state governments now receive significantly higher revenue allocations from the federation account compared to previous years, thanks to the increased fiscal space created by the removal of fuel subsidies. According to Idris, this development allows sub-national governments to undertake more projects and meet the needs of their citizens with less reliance on debt.