FG targets December completion of Kaduna-Kano rail

The Federal Government aims to complete the Kaduna-Kano railway route by December, part of ongoing efforts to revitalize Nigeria's rail transportation system. During the 19th National Council on Transportation in Abuja, Permanent Secretary Funsho Adebiyi stated that the government is intensifying its efforts to expand the railway network and alleviate pressure on roads, noting that 98% of Nigerians currently rely on road transportation.

The heavy dependence on roads has led to overloading and excessive traffic on the nation's road infrastructure. Adebiyi emphasized that some road traffic is still necessary for accessing airports and that shifting some pressure to rail, particularly for freight transportation, would help reduce the burden on roads. The Kaduna-Zaria-Kano route is nearing completion and expected to be operational by December.

The Kano-Daura-Katsina route and the Katsina-Jibia-Maradi route are also in advanced stages, with completion expected by December and the following year, respectively. The development of rail freight services has already helped reduce heavy-duty vehicles on major highways, freeing up thousands of trailers from the Lagos-Ibadan highway.

Adebiyi highlighted that expanding rail freight services would prolong road lifespans, reduce accidents, improve safety, and create employment opportunities, with thousands of Nigerians already engaged on various railway projects.