Toba Owojaiye reporting
Kaduna, Nigeria
Kaduna State is raising the bar on infrastructure development with a historic push toward modern urban mobility. Governor Uba Sani’s administration has launched an ambitious light rail project, setting the state on course to become a model for sustainable transportation in northern Nigeria.
Truth Live News gathered that this initiative places Kaduna alongside Lagos as one of the few Nigerian states actively investing in mass transit solutions to ease mobility, decongest urban areas, and spur economic development.
The light rail project is the latest in a string of transformative infrastructure interventions under Governor Sani, who has remained resolute in his commitment to linking Kaduna’s 23 local government areas with first-class roads, bridges, and public utilities. Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has undertaken 78 road projects, covering a total of 775 kilometers, with a mix of completed and ongoing projects ensuring that no community is left behind.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for the light rail project, Governor Sani emphasized its economic and social impact. “This is more than just a transport system; it is an engine for growth. It will connect businesses, boost commerce, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for our people. Kaduna will be a reference point for integrated urban transportation in Nigeria,” he declared.
The rail network will serve as a lifeline for key economic hubs within the state, linking residential neighborhoods with commercial centers, educational institutions, and industrial zones. Experts suggest that the project could lead to a significant reduction in traffic congestion, cut travel times, and lower transportation costs for commuters and businesses alike.
Transportation expert Semiu Badru, a globally renowned urban renewal consultant, hailed the initiative as a game-changer. “At least in Nigeria, Governor Sani is placing Kaduna in the number two spot, after Lagos, in the ranking of states with modern, effective, and sustainable urban mass transportation systems. I dare say that Governor Sani is the type of far-sighted and proactive leader all states in Nigeria need at this age and time,” Badru remarked.
Beyond the light rail project, Kaduna State’s infrastructure drive continues to impact multiple sectors. In rural areas, previously overlooked communities are experiencing an unprecedented wave of road construction, bringing farmers closer to markets and boosting local economies. Health facilities, schools, and public water projects are also receiving attention, reinforcing the administration’s holistic approach to development.
The governor’s recent site visits to water treatment plants in Zaria and Kakuri underscore his commitment to addressing Kaduna’s water supply challenges. The state has increased its water production capacity from 5% to over 25% in just 20 months, with a target of achieving 100% by the last quarter of 2025.
Similarly, urban renewal efforts remain a top priority, with major road projects in Zaria, Kaduna North, and Kaduna South designed to ease mobility and enhance security.