FEC approves $2.9bn rail projects for Kano, Kaduna, Lagos

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth $2.9 billion for three major rail projects in Lagos, Kano and Kaduna as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve urban transportation and drive economic growth.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing newsmen after the weekly council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the projects approved by the council are Phase 1A of the Lagos Green Line rail, the Kano State Metro City rail project, and the Kaduna State light rail system.
According to Oyedele, the projects are expected to boost productivity, ease movement within the cities and support the Federal Government’s broader economic development agenda.
He noted that infrastructure development remains central to unlocking growth and improving the standard of living of Nigerians.
“For economic development, you need infrastructure that works, one that enhances productivity and growth, and also improves the quality of life of the people,” he said.
The minister described Lagos, Kano and Kaduna as strategic commercial centres where investments in transport infrastructure would deliver significant economic returns.
He said: “These three cities are very important and strategic. While all cities are important, these are places where a modest effort can yield substantial results.”
Oyedele further disclosed that the projects would be financed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) on behalf of the Federal Government, with counterpart funding arrangements in place.
He said the combined value of the three projects stands at about $2.99 billion.
According to him, the approval underscores the Tinubu administration’s resolve to prioritise infrastructure development as a catalyst for inclusive growth, job creation and improved mobility in major urban centres.