The Federal Government has disclosed that the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Daura–Katsina sections of the Kano–Maradi railway project will be commissioned in December 2026.

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

Adebiyi, who commended the pace and quality of the construction, noted that rail laying has commenced, while most construction materials have been 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.

The Permanent Secretary in a statement the Assistant Director of Information & Public Relations of the Ministry, Gift Seddon disclosed that the entire project was between 70-75 per cent completion since it was awarded in 2021.

He further stated that the Kaduna–Zaria–Kano section was between 80-85 per cent complete and is currently undergoing finishing works.

He further revealed that over 500,000 of the estimated 800,000 track slippers have been produced, with all required rail tracks already procured.

Adebiyi noted that the project has created employment for over 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 said procurement of rolling stock was the next major milestone towards meeting the December 2026 commissioning target.

On the challenges affecting the project, the Permanent Secretary cited vandalism of construction materials, land access issues in some urban areas, and illegal laterite mining along the Kano–Dutse corridor as key concerns.

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

Engr. Adebiyi also commended the support of traditional rulers and host communities, noting that sustained stakeholder engagement has improved access to project sites.

He further disclosed that several communities have withdrawn court cases after recognising the project’s economic and social benefits, thereby strengthening public support for its successful execution.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to delivering modern railway infrastructure that will enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and improve transportation across the country.

The Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, described the loan secured by the federal government for the project as justified, noting that borrowing for critical capital infrastructure is consistent with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

She explained that the DMO, working with a consortium of financial institutions, arranged the financing because projects of such magnitude cannot be funded through annual budgetary allocations alone.

Oniha said the visit provided an opportunity to witness the impact of the financing, particularly in the areas of job creation, increased use of locally sourced materials, and the rapid pace of construction.

She noted that the project currently employs over 4,500 workers, the majority of whom are Nigerians, while the extensive use of locally produced construction materials is boosting domestic economic activity beyond the railway sector. (The Nation)

•(2nd frm r) Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr Funsho Adebiyi, (3rd frm r), Director-General, Debt Management Office, (DMO),Patience Oniha Director, Rail Transport Services, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Finbarr Zirra, (3rd frm l), Elizabeth Ekpenyong, Director, Portfolio Management Department, (2nd frm l), Maimuna Ibrahim – Team Leader, Loans and Other Financing Products Unit, DMO, and (1st l), Halimat Abdulazeez, Assistant Chief Operations Officer, Debt Recording and Settlement Department

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