Kano-Katsina rail project ready by December – FG

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing and commissioning the 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina railway project by December 2026, despite facing challenges such as insecurity, land disputes, and seasonal construction slowdowns. During a joint inspection of the project, officials from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Finance, lending institutions, and the project contractor found that the physical completion of the strategic rail corridor stood at 80 percent.

Test-running of the completed track from Kazauri to Katsina was carried out, and the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, confirmed that the project remained firmly on course. Despite a slight slowdown during the rainy season, the engineers present noted that significant work had already been accomplished, and materials for track laying were already stockpiled at the project site.

The two key issues affecting construction speed were insecurity and land disputes related to the Land Use Act. While these challenges might delay the project temporarily, the government assured that they would not stop its completion. Efforts are being made to resolve land-related disputes and ensure the timely arrival of the required rolling stock for the December commissioning.