Federal Government Schedules December Inauguration for Kaduna-Kano Rail Line

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that the Kaduna–Kano standard gauge railway project is set for official inauguration on December 3, 2026. According to a statement provided by Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, this development represents a major advancement in the administration’s efforts to modernize and expand the nation’s rail network.

Project Progress and Scope

The 203-kilometre Kaduna–Zaria–Kano railway is described as a critical legacy project for the current administration. Official reports indicate that the project has reached approximately 90 per cent completion. This rail line serves as an extension of the existing Abuja–Kaduna standard gauge line, effectively creating a continuous transport corridor connecting Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano.

Regarding the Kano–Katsina–Maradi rail project, the government reports that it has reached 70 per cent completion. The administration highlighted that when President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the Kano–Katsina–Maradi project was at approximately 5 per cent completion, while the Kaduna–Kano line was less than 30 per cent complete.

Technical Assessment and Inspection

A federal delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, recently conducted an inspection of the sites under the directive of President Tinubu. The assessment included a test-run journey from Jaji in Kaduna State to Kano to evaluate the track infrastructure, drainage systems, and passenger comfort.

The inspection team expressed satisfaction with the construction quality, specifically noting the progress in:

• Railway alignment
• Drainage infrastructure
• Embankment protection
• Stone pitching and soil stabilisation

Furthermore, the President has issued a directive to expedite the resolution of outstanding land acquisition and compensation issues within the Kaduna metropolis to ensure the seamless completion of the corridor.

Expected Economic Impact

The government anticipates that the Kaduna–Kano railway will serve as a vital alternative to road travel along one of Northern Nigeria’s most active commercial routes. By facilitating the movement of passengers and goods, the project is expected to enhance regional connectivity.

Similarly, the Kano–Katsina–Maradi line is intended to bolster cross-border trade and transportation between Nigeria and the Niger Republic. While the government has set a firm date for the inauguration of the 190-kilometre Jaji-Kano section and the 250-kilometre Dawanu-Kano-Kazaure-Daura-Kastina section, further details regarding the full operational timeline for the remaining segments were not provided in the source statement.

Conclusion

The upcoming inauguration in December underscores the administration’s stated commitment to delivering infrastructure projects across Nigeria. As the December 3 deadline approaches, the focus remains on finalizing the remaining construction tasks to ensure the rail lines are ready for public use and commercial activity.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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