Kaduna-Kano railway reaches 90% completion, while Kano-Katsina-Maradi project advances to 70% as FG steps up infrastructure delivery.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intensified efforts to accelerate the completion of major railway projects in Northern Nigeria, with the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway scheduled for inauguration on December 3, 2026.
The 203-kilometre Kaduna-Zaria-Kano railway project has reached approximately 90 per cent completion, while the 400-kilometre Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway project has attained 70 per cent completion, reflecting significant progress in the Federal Government’s railway infrastructure development programme.
According to project updates, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway was at approximately five per cent completion when President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, while the Kaduna-Kano line had recorded less than 30 per cent progress.
The projects are part of the administration’s broader infrastructure agenda aimed at expanding Nigeria’s railway network, improving regional connectivity and facilitating the movement of passengers and goods across the country and neighbouring nations.
The Kaduna-Kano railway, which extends the existing Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway, is expected to establish a continuous rail connection linking Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano.
The development will strengthen transportation links between some of Northern Nigeria’s major commercial and population centres, while providing an alternative means of transportation for passengers and businesses.
Federal Government Inspects Railway Projects
As part of efforts to ensure timely delivery, President Tinubu directed a Federal Government inspection team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, to assess progress on the two railway projects.
During the inspection, Adebiyi expressed satisfaction with the quality of construction, particularly the railway alignment, drainage infrastructure, embankment protection, stone pitching and soil stabilisation works.
The inspection exercise also featured a train test run from Jaji in Kaduna State to Kano, enabling government officials to assess the completed track infrastructure and evaluate passenger comfort ahead of the planned inauguration.
President Tinubu has also directed that outstanding land acquisition and compensation issues within Kaduna metropolis be resolved immediately to facilitate the completion of the remaining sections of the railway corridor linking Abuja and Kano.
Kaduna-Kano and Kano-Katsina-Maradi Projects Target December Inauguration
Under the current completion schedule, the government plans to inaugurate the completed 190-kilometre Jaji-Kano section of the Kaduna-Kano railway, alongside the 250-kilometre Dawanu-Kano-Kazaure-Daura-Katsina section of the Kano-Maradi railway, on December 3, 2026.
The planned inauguration is expected to mark a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand rail transportation infrastructure in Northern Nigeria.
Once fully operational, the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway is expected to improve passenger mobility, stimulate commercial activities, support economic development and reduce dependence on road transportation along one of the region’s busiest commercial corridors.
Similarly, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway is expected to strengthen regional trade and cross-border transportation between Nigeria and the neighbouring Republic of Niger.
The project is particularly significant for businesses and communities along the corridor, as improved rail connectivity could facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities across the region.
Tinubu’s Infrastructure Agenda
The progress recorded on both railway projects underscores the Tinubu administration’s stated commitment to completing ongoing transportation infrastructure projects across the country.
The Federal Government maintains that infrastructure development remains central to its economic growth strategy, with investments in rail transportation expected to improve connectivity, support trade and create opportunities for businesses and communities.
With the December 3, 2026 inauguration target approaching, attention is now focused on completing outstanding construction activities and resolving operational requirements to ensure the successful delivery of the projects.
The administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that ongoing infrastructure projects in different parts of Nigeria are delivered according to schedule.
