FG secures N250bn for Kaduna, Kano light rail projects

The Federal Government has secured N250 billion funding for light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano states as part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive to boost infrastructure development across the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a world press conference ahead of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, noting that N150 billion has been earmarked for Kano and N100 billion for Kaduna.

Idris said the projects underscore the administration’s commitment to balanced, inclusive development, with capital distribution across all zones, while also reinforcing the fiscal autonomy of local governments as growth drivers.

He added that sub national governments now receive increased allocations from the Federation Account due to the removal of fuel subsidy, allowing states to fund more projects with less debt burden.

The Minister also announced that the Federal Government has recapitalised the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion the largest boost to agricultural financing in Nigeria  and established a Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to unlock opportunities in the livestock sector.

“With these initiatives, no tier of government has any excuse not to fully pull its weight in the collective task of comprehensive economic growth and development,” Idris said.