Kano-Katsina Rail Project Targets December 2026 Completion as Construction Hits 80%
The Nigerian federal government remains committed to commissioning the 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina railway project by December 2026, despite challenges like insecurity and land disputes. With physical completion at 80% and significant financial backing, officials express confidence in delivering this strategic infrastructure, with test runs already underway.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing and commissioning the 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina railway project by December 2026, despite delays linked to insecurity, land disputes and seasonal disruptions caused by the rainy season.
Officials made the commitment during a joint inspection involving the Federal Ministries of Transportation and Finance, lending institutions and the project contractor, revealing that physical construction has reached approximately 80 per cent.
A completed section between Kazuare in Jigawa State and Daura in Katsina State has also undergone successful test running, providing further evidence of progress.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, said the remaining challenges were temporary and would not derail the completion target, noting that essential track-laying materials had already been stockpiled at the project camp.
The Federal Government also confirmed that its 15 per cent counterpart funding had been released, while the remaining 85 per cent is being financed through international loan facilities, with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) contributing about $250 million.
Authorities said engagements with affected communities are continuing to resolve outstanding land and access disputes along the corridor.
Mota-Engil Nigeria, the project's contractor, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the Kano-Katsina section by December, while the planned extension from Katsina to Maradi in Niger Republic is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.
The rail corridor is expected to strengthen transportation links across northern Nigeria while supporting trade and movement between Nigeria and neighbouring Niger. With construction already at 80 per cent and financing arrangements described as stable, attention is now shifting from overcoming earlier delays to delivering the infrastructure and rolling stock needed for commissioning.