Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the construction of a **₦1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service in Kano State, a flagship infrastructure initiative designed to overhaul urban transportation, ease chronic traffic congestion, and catalyse economic growth across the state’s metropolitan area. The confirmation came from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf during remarks in Abuja, where he disclosed federal endorsement of the project as part of broader development priorities for the region.
The Metropolitan Rail Service is envisioned as a modern mass transit system that will connect key districts within Kano metropolis. It forms part of the federal government’s effort to diversify transport modes and elevate sustainable, efficient public transit options in Nigeria’s second largest city. Officials say the rail network will improve commuter mobility, reduce long-standing vehicular congestion, and create economic opportunities by linking residential, commercial, and industrial hubs.
Governor Yusuf linked the approval to strategic alignment between Kano State and the federal administration under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the decision underscores a commitment to attract critical infrastructure investments that improve quality of life and reposition Kano as a northern transportation hub. The governor also pledged that the Kano State Government will work closely with federal agencies to ensure “smooth implementation of the project, transparency, and maximum benefits for the people of the state.”
Though specific timelines for commencement and completion were not disclosed during the initial announcement, the rail service is expected to augment existing infrastructure investments in the region. It arrives against a backdrop of expanding rail development across Nigeria, including ongoing standard gauge lines such as the Kano–Maradi corridor linking northern Nigeria with neighbouring Niger Republic — another major rail project backed by the federal government and international partners.
The Metropolitan Rail Service is part of wider federal ambitions to modernise the nation’s transport matrix. For years, Nigeria has sought to reduce its heavy dependence on road transport, which contributes to traffic gridlock in major cities and increases logistics costs. Rail systems provide a high-capacity alternative that can alleviate urban congestion while enhancing connectivity for commerce and daily commuting.
Urban planners and economists see the Kano project as a potential catalyst for investment and structural transformation. By improving ease of movement, the initiative could stimulate job creation, attract private sector participation, and improve market access for goods and services — benefits that extend beyond transport to broader economic productivity gains.
The approval of the rail service also complements other infrastructure interventions in Kano State, such as federal allocations for road upgrades and urban improvement projects, signalling a concerted focus on reducing bottlenecks that have constrained growth. Observers say such integrated approaches — linking rail, road and urban development policies — are critical to managing Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation and escalating demand for efficient mobility solutions.
The announcement has been welcomed by local stakeholders and residents, who view the project as both an infrastructural milestone and a long-term investment in social and economic development. For Kano, a city with historic significance and commercial vibrancy, the Metropolitan Rail Service could mark a transformative shift toward modern, resilient urban transport capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century.
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