The Federal Government has approved the construction of a ₦1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service for Kano State.

The project aims to transform urban transportation, boost economic activities, and ease traffic congestion across the metropolitan area.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf disclosed this development while receiving the Kano State contingent that participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Borno State.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Governor Yusuf explained that his administration’s decision to realign with the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was motivated by the need to attract critical development projects to Kano State.

Governor Yusuf said the Kano Metropolitan Rail Service will provide a modern, efficient, and affordable mass transit system that will connect key districts within the metropolis, enhance mobility for residents, and stimulate trade and investment.

He described the project as a landmark intervention that will significantly improve the quality of life of the people and reposition Kano as a major transportation hub in Northern Nigeria.

The Governor assured that the Kano State Government will work closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the project, transparency, and maximum benefits for the people of the state.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the initiative and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complement federal efforts through supportive policies and infrastructure development.

Governor Yusuf commended the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, and his wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, for their generous donations to the overall winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, Hafsat Muhammad Sada.

Governor Yusuf described the donation of an electric car by the Vice President and the sum of five million naira donated by his wife as a strong encouragement that will motivate youths to devote themselves to Qur’anic studies and moral upbringing.

He noted that such gestures promote Islamic education and reward excellence among young scholars across the country.

On his part, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf honoured the overall winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition (Musabaqa), Hafsat Muhammad Sada, with a Hajj slot for her and her mother, a foreign scholarship, a plot of land, and a cash reward in recognition of her outstanding performance at the just concluded competition held in Borno State.

The Governor also extended the gesture of gifting plots of land and cash rewards to other winners in various recitation categories.

The beneficiaries, who represented Kano State at the national competition, were received by the Governor at the Government House, Kano, where he commended them for bringing honour and pride to the state.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Musabaqa Board of Trustees, Sheikh Shehi Shehi Mai Hula, and the Dan Amar of Kano and District Head of Gobirawa, Alhaji Aliyu Harazimi Umar, who represented the Emir of Kano, congratulated Governor Abba Yusuf and the people of Kano State for achieving the unprecedented feat.

They expressed optimism for more success in subsequent Qur’anic recitation competitions, given the commitment of all stakeholders towards sustaining the momentum.