FG Targets December Commissioning For Kaduna–Kano, Kano–Daura Rail Sections

The Federal Government has announced that the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Daura–Katsina sections of the Kano–Maradi railway project are scheduled for commissioning in December 2026.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, disclosed this during an inspection of the project by officials of the Debt Management Office (DMO), led by its Director-General, Patience Oniha.

According to Adebiyi, construction is progressing steadily, with rail laying already underway and most of the required construction materials delivered to project yards in Kazaure and Katsina.

He said geotechnical investigations and laboratory testing of construction materials are being carried out to ensure compliance with international engineering standards and global best practices.

A statement issued by the Ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Gift Seddon, said the overall project has reached between 70 and 75 per cent completion since work commenced in 2021.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Kaduna–Zaria–Kano section is between 80 and 85 per cent complete and is currently undergoing finishing works.

He further disclosed that more than 500,000 of the estimated 800,000 track sleepers have been produced, while all the required rail tracks have already been procured.

Adebiyi noted that the project has generated employment for more than 4,500 workers, including about 200 expatriates, while also facilitating technology transfer through the training of Nigerian engineers and technicians in specialised railway construction.

He identified the procurement of rolling stock as the next major milestone towards achieving the December commissioning target.

Highlighting some of the challenges affecting the project, Adebiyi cited vandalism of construction materials, land access constraints in some urban areas and illegal laterite mining along the Kano–Dutse corridor.

He said the Ministry would strengthen collaboration with security agencies to safeguard project assets and continue engaging the Kano State Government and other relevant authorities to tackle illegal mining activities.

The Permanent Secretary also commended the support of traditional rulers and host communities, noting that sustained stakeholder engagement has improved access to project sites. He added that several communities had withdrawn court cases after recognising the project’s economic and social benefits.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Adebiyi said the administration remains focused on delivering modern railway infrastructure that will improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and enhance transportation across the country.

Speaking during the inspection, DMO Director-General Patience Oniha described the loan secured for the railway project as justified, noting that borrowing for critical infrastructure aligns with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

She explained that the DMO, in collaboration with a consortium of financial institutions, arranged the financing because projects of such scale could not be funded through annual budgetary allocations alone.

Oniha said the inspection provided an opportunity to assess the impact of the financing, particularly in job creation, the increased use of locally sourced construction materials and the pace of project execution.

She noted that the project currently employs over 4,500 workers, the majority of whom are Nigerians, while the extensive use of locally produced materials is contributing to economic activities beyond the railway sector.