The Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, has announced that the Kaduna–Kano standard-gauge railway project has reached 53 percent completion.
Speaking during a project inspection tour, the minister noted that when the current administration assumed office, the project was only about 15 percent complete, underscoring the progress made over the past year. He expressed optimism that the rail line will be delivered on schedule, with completion expected in 2026.
The Kaduna–Kano line is a critical segment of the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway, designed to link major economic corridors and ease the movement of goods and passengers across Nigeria.
In addition to the Kaduna–Kano project, Alkali disclosed that construction of the Kano–Maradi railway line has advanced significantly, rising from 5 percent completion to 61 percent.
The federal government has recently secured fresh funding support for the projects. Earlier this year, the China Development Bank released $254.8 million towards the Kaduna–Kano line, part of its estimated $973 million project cost.
The minister assured Nigerians that the administration remains committed to modernizing the country’s rail infrastructure, noting that the railway network will play a vital role in boosting trade, creating jobs, and enhancing regional connectivity.
