….Optimistic of Speedy Completion of Remaining 10%
The Kaduna–Zaria–Kano standard gauge railway project has reached approximately 90 per cent completion, with the Federal Government expressing optimism that the remaining works will soon be concluded to enable seamless train services along the corridor.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, disclosed this on Thursday, October 22, 2026, aboard a train ride from Jaji to Kano during an inspection tour of the project sites.
Adebiyi who expressed great satisfaction with the quality of work done described the rail alignment, embankment protection, drainage, stone-pitching and soil stabilisation works as excellent.
He noted that construction had largely complied with required specifications.
“I want to confess that the quality of work is next to none. The rail alignment apparently is excellent. When you look through the window, you see a sharp change in elevation, some as high as six metres, which tells you the volume of earthwork that is done. The embankment protection work is also great,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary further explained that elevation differences of up to six metres or more along some sections underscored the importance of proper soil stabilisation, compaction and embankment protection for the railway’s safety and durability.
Speaking further, he expressed delight at the smooth train movement from Jaji towards Kano.
“I am quite delighted. I feel excited. I don’t feel I should come out of this train, honestly,” he added.
However, the Permanent Secretary identified
outstanding land acquisition and compensation claims within Kaduna metropolis as the major obstacle delaying completion of the remaining link between Jaji and the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor.
He assured affected stakeholders that the government was addressing the issue and that it would receive immediate attention upon the team’s return to Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to completing the project as soon as possible, expressing optimism that passengers would soon travel uninterruptedly by train from Abuja through Kaduna and Zaria to Kano.
Providing further details, Adebiyi said the inspected section covered approximately 145 kilometres of the broader 200-kilometre Kaduna–Kano route, with only about 10 kilometres of work remaining on the stretch.
He also disclosed that the railway sections extending from Kano through Kazaure and Daura to Katsina were targeted for completion by December, with work continuing around the clock to meet the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Director, Rail Transport Services in the Ministry, Engr. Habiba Buhari, said the inspection was intended to assess the technical quality of the infrastructure ahead of finalisation and test runs.
She also said that the team examined track geometry, alignment, drainage facilities, concrete works and other components relevant to passengers safety and comfort. She expressed satisfaction with the aspects inspected, noting that the smooth train movement provided an opportunity to assess passenger’s comfort.
“We are here to check the geometry, the alignment, drainage facilities, quality of concrete works which we have been doing. We just want to finalise and test-run,” she said.
Engr. Buhari added that the exercise also provided an opportunity to engage stakeholders as the project approached completion.
The Kaduna–Kano railway is a major component of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand Nigeria’s rail network, strengthen connectivity between major commercial centres, improve passenger movement between the North-West and other parts of the country, support economic activities along the corridor and provide an alternative to road travel.