Kaduna-Kano rail nears launch as Kano-Maradi project hits 70% completion
Nigeria’s drive to expand rail infrastructure in the North is approaching a major milestone, with the 203-kilometre Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway nearing completion ahead of its scheduled December 3 inauguration, potentially opening a new channel for passenger movement, freight transportation and commercial activity across some of the region’s largest economic centres.
The development comes as the 400-kilometre Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway project has reached 70 per cent completion, signalling progress on two major transport corridors expected to strengthen domestic commerce and cross-border trade with the neighbouring Niger Republic.
The Kaduna-Kano project, which extends the existing Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway, is now approximately 90 per cent complete, while the Kano-Katsina-Maradi project has advanced from barely five per cent completion when President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
The Kaduna-Kano railway is expected to establish a continuous standard gauge connection between Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano, linking major population centres, agricultural production zones and commercial hubs in Northern Nigeria.
Beyond reducing dependence on road transportation, the corridor is expected to improve the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities, potentially lowering logistics costs, improving market access and supporting economic activities along its route.
The Federal Government has also scheduled the inauguration of the completed sections of both projects for December 3, 2026. These include the approximately 190-kilometre Jaji-Kano section of the Kaduna-Kano railway and the 250-kilometre Dawanu-Kano-Kazaure-Daura-
The progress was confirmed following an inspection of the projects by a Federal Government delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, acting on the directive of President Tinubu.
During the inspection, the delegation assessed the quality of construction, including railway alignment, drainage systems, embankment protection, stone pitching and soil stabilisation.
Officials also undertook a test-run train journey from Jaji in Kaduna State to Kano to evaluate the completed track infrastructure and passenger comfort.
However, the Federal Government is still working to resolve outstanding land acquisition and compensation issues within Kaduna metropolis, with the President directing that the matters be addressed immediately to facilitate the completion of the railway corridor linking Abuja and Kano.
For the Northern economy, the commercial significance of the projects extends beyond passenger transportation.
The Kaduna-Kano corridor connects major trading and agricultural centres, providing an opportunity to improve the movement of goods between production communities and urban markets. More efficient rail transportation could also reduce pressure on highways, cut vehicle operating costs and improve the competitiveness of businesses dependent on long-distance haulage.
The Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway carries an additional regional trade dimension. Its eventual completion is expected to improve transport links between Nigeria and Niger Republic, creating opportunities for cross-border movement of agricultural commodities, merchandise and passengers.
The projects are part of the Tinubu administration’s broader infrastructure expansion programme, with the Federal Government maintaining that ongoing projects across the country will be completed as scheduled.
Nevertheless, the economic returns on the railway investments will ultimately depend on timely completion, operational efficiency, affordable freight and passenger tariffs, reliable services and effective integration with road transport and commercial distribution networks.
For businesses and investors, the critical test will be how quickly the infrastructure translates into lower logistics costs, stronger regional trade and increased economic activity along the corridors.
About The Author
