The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth $2.99 billion for three major rail projects across Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna states, as part of efforts to boost infrastructure and economic growth.

Speaking after the council meeting in Abuja, Taiwo Oyedele, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to improving productivity and quality of life. He also disclosed that a presidential power sector task force has been set up, to be chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

The approved rail projects include the Lagos Green Line (phase one), the Kano Metro City Rail, and the Kaduna Light Rail. According to Oyedele, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) will sponsor the projects on behalf of the federal government, alongside other funding partners.

He noted that the projects are expected to significantly improve urban transportation in key economic hubs, describing Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna as strategic cities where targeted investments can yield high economic returns.

The Lagos Green Line, a major component of the state’s rail network, will run from Marina through the Lekki corridor—one of the busiest commercial and residential areas in sub-Saharan Africa—and extend further.

Meanwhile, the rail projects in Kano and Kaduna are designed to ease traffic congestion and support economic activities in northern Nigeria’s major urban centres.