{
  "id": 4741629,
  "title": "FG targets December completion of Kaduna-Kano rail",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/fg-targets-december-completion-of-kaduna-kano-rail",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T23:50:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/fg-targets-december-completion-of-kaduna-kano-rail/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Federal Government in Nigeria has set a target to complete the Kaduna-Kano railway route by December, as part of efforts to revitalize the country's rail transportation system. Permanent Secretary Funsho Adebiyi made the announcement during the 19th National Council on Transportation in Abuja. He emphasized that 98% of Nigerians currently rely on road transportation, placing immense stress on the nation's road infrastructure. Adebiyi stated that the heavy dependence on roads has led to excessive traffic, overloading, and accidents. In response, the government aims to shift some of the burden from roads to rail, particularly for freight transportation. Several railway routes have already been completed and are operational, including Port Harcourt-Aba, Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, and Warri-Itakpe. Adebiyi revealed that the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano route is nearing completion and will be operational by December. Additionally, work is underway on the Kano-Daura-Katsina route, with completion expected by December, and the Katsina-Jibia-Maradi route is scheduled to be ready by the same time the following year. The development of rail freight services is currently helping to reduce the number of heavy-duty vehicles on major highways, such as the Lagos-Ibadan highway, by allowing containers to be transported by rail to their destinations. Adebiyi highlighted the benefits of expanding rail freight services, including reduced road congestion, lower accident rates, and improved road lifespan. The development has already created thousands of employment opportunities, with over 9,000 workers engaged on the Kano-Maradi project.",
  "summary": "The Federal Government has said the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano railway route will be completed and ready for operation by December as part of ongoing efforts to revive the country’s rail transportation system. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the 19th National Council on Transportation. Adebiyi said the Federal Read More:…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "FG targets December completion of Kaduna-Kano rail line",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/fg-targets-december-completion-of-kaduna-kano-rail-line",
        "published": "2026-08-31T18:50:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}