Kaduna-Kano Rail Projects Set for December 2026 Launch

The Kaduna-Kano and Kano-Daura-Katsina rail projects are set to be commissioned in December 2026, as confirmed by Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport. During an inspection led by Patience Oniha, Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Adebiyi reported that the overall project completion is between 70-75%, with the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano section at 80-85% completion.

The construction pace and quality have been described as encouraging, with materials being delivered to the project yard in Kazaur, Katsina. The project has created employment for 4,500 workers, including 200 expatriates, and aims to facilitate technology transfer to Nigerian engineers.

Challenges such as vandalism, land access issues, and illegal mining activities have been noted, prompting the ministry to collaborate with security agencies and local authorities. The DMO's Oniha highlighted the project's justification for federal borrowing, emphasizing its significant economic impact, including job creation and local material sourcing.