Rail Construction from Kano, Kazaure, Katsina Route to Finish in December 2026, FG Assures
Maryam Aminu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed optimism that construction of the railway line from Kano through Kazaure and Daura to Katsina will be completed by December 2026, as work continues around the clock to meet the deadline.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, disclosed this during an inspection of the ongoing Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project.
Adebiyi, who led a ministry delegation on an assessment of the railway infrastructure on Friday, said the inspection was aimed at evaluating construction progress, assessing technical standards and identifying outstanding issues requiring attention before the railway becomes fully operational.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had put the Kaduna-Kano railway project at approximately 90 per cent completion, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work executed so far.
According to him, the inspection covered about 145 kilometres of the wider railway corridor, with approximately 10 kilometres of work remaining on the section covered during the exercise.
The permanent secretary commended the quality of the track alignment, drainage systems, embankment protection, stone pitching and soil stabilisation, noting that these components were essential to the railway’s safety, durability and long-term operational efficiency.
He also highlighted the engineering challenges associated with elevation changes of up to six metres along some sections of the corridor, stressing the importance of proper compaction and embankment protection.
Adebiyi observed that the smooth movement of the train during the inspection provided an opportunity to assess the track conditions and passenger comfort.
He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to completing the railway project, expressing optimism that passengers would soon be able to travel by rail from Abuja through Kaduna and Zaria to Kano without interruption.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has pledged to address outstanding compensation disputes involving residents whose properties were affected by the Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project.
Adebiyi gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli, at his palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He acknowledged concerns raised over compensation for affected properties and assured the traditional ruler that the ministry would examine the complaints and work towards a resolution acceptable to the parties involved.
The permanent secretary disclosed that he planned to meet affected residents the following week to review their grievances, examine relevant records and determine appropriate steps to resolve the outstanding issues.
He explained that unresolved compensation matters had become a major obstacle to extending the railway line from Jaji Station to connect with the existing Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor.
Adebiyi acknowledged concerns relating to the statutory framework governing compensation and assured the affected communities that their grievances would receive the necessary attention.
He also disclosed that the government would consider a request to name a proposed railway extension after an ancestor of the Emir of Zazzau, in recognition of the historical contributions of the monarch’s grandfather to railway transportation in Zaria.
According to him, engagement with traditional institutions and host communities remained essential to facilitating railway development and resolving issues associated with land acquisition and compensation.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Director of Rail Transport Services in the ministry, Engr. Habiba Buhari, said the exercise was designed to assess the technical quality of the railway infrastructure ahead of finalisation and test runs.
She explained that the team examined track geometry, alignment, drainage facilities, concrete works and other structural components that could affect passenger safety and comfort.
Buhari added that the inspection provided an opportunity to engage relevant stakeholders and identify areas requiring attention as the project approached completion.
Following the courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, the ministry’s delegation proceeded with an inspection of the Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project, including a train ride from Jaji to Kano.
The inspection was intended to evaluate the progress of construction and the quality of infrastructure delivered along the corridor.
The Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway is expected to improve connectivity across parts of north-western Nigeria, strengthen transportation links between major commercial centres and provide passengers with an alternative to road travel.
The planned extension through Kazaure, Daura and Katsina is also expected to enhance rail connectivity across the region when completed.
However, the resolution of outstanding compensation and land acquisition disputes remains critical to completing the connection with the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, which is expected to facilitate more direct train services between Abuja and Kano.
