Kaduna is preparing for a major upgrade to its transport system, with construction of the Kaduna Light Rail project expected to begin next month.
The project, which is one of three federally approved urban rail schemes for Kaduna, Kano and Lagos, has moved beyond the planning stage after technical studies and route assessments were completed. Officials say contractors are expected to begin mobilising to site within weeks.
For a fast-growing city like Kaduna, the rail system is expected to ease movement across key parts of the metropolis and provide a more reliable mass transit option for residents.
Speaking during a meeting between officials of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Kaduna State Government, Governor Uba Sani described the project as an important step toward building a more efficient and connected transport network for the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, said technical reviews of the proposed routes have been concluded. Attention is now focused on clearing potential obstacles and fine-tuning project alignments to ensure smooth delivery.
The light rail system will operate on two main routes. The Red Line will run from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha, passing through major commercial areas. The Yellow Line will connect Millennium City to Rigasa Railway Station, linking residential communities with one of Kaduna’s key transport hubs.
The project is part of a wider federal push to improve urban transportation across Nigeria. In May 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved $2.99 billion for rail projects in Lagos, Kano and Kaduna.
According to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, the approval covers the Kaduna Light Rail, Kano Metro Rail and Lagos Green Line Phase 1A. The projects are included in the federal government's 2025 and 2026 capital spending plans and will be financed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) under a public-private partnership arrangement.
Oyedele said Lagos, Kano and Kaduna were selected because of their economic importance and their ability to benefit from improved urban transport infrastructure.
The Kaduna project builds on plans first announced in July 2025 when former Minister of Transportation Saidu Alkali disclosed that the federal government was working to support light rail development in Kaduna and Kano to improve public transport and boost economic activity.
Two months later, in September 2025, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris revealed that about N250 billion had been secured for rail projects in both states, with N150 billion allocated to Kano and N100 billion to Kaduna.
With construction now close to starting, Kaduna is moving from planning to action as efforts continue to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility for residents.
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