Kano-Katsina Railway Project: FG Sets New Completion Target

The Federal Government has assured to complete and commission the 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina rail project by December 2026.

The assurance was given during a joint inspection of the project by officials of the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Federal Ministry of Finance, representatives of lending institutions and the project contractor.

The inspection provided an update on the progress of the strategic rail corridor, with officials estimating the level of physical completion at 80%.

The inspection involved testing the completed route from Kazure to Katsina.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Engr Funso Adebiyi, represented by the Director of Rail Transport Services, EngrmHabibat Buhari, said the project remained firmly on track despite some snags.

He said the rainy season had slowed construction activities slightly, but stressed that significant work had already been accomplished.

Buhari explained that the current level of physical progress remained at around 80%, adding that the materials needed for laying the tracks had already been stored in the project field.

According to her, the government is working to ensure that the remaining activities are completed within the approved timeframes.

The representative of the Permanent Secretary identified insecurity in some sections of the corridor and disputes over land and canal areas as the two main issues affecting the pace of work.

He explained that security concerns had disrupted daily activities in some areas, while some communities had yet to accept the provisions of the land use law.

She, however, assured that the difficulties will only temporarily delay the project and will not prevent its completion.

“These will only cause delays, not stop the project. We have had similar cases in the past and they have been resolved,” he said.

He further revealed that the government is intensifying dialogue with affected communities and other stakeholders to resolve land disputes and enable contractors to relocate to the affected sections.

He expressed confidence that the December commissioning target will be achieved.

He also said that efforts are being made to ensure that the required rolling stock arrives in time for commissioning.

“Even if we don’t get everything, at least we will have those to commission by December. We aim to commission the project by December, God willing, and there is no going back. So we are on track,” he said.

Also speaking, the representative of the Ministry of Finance, Director of the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Muhammadu Kamal, said government releases were made as and when due and that the federal government released 15% of the counterpart financing.

He said the level of work already completed demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations under the project agreement.

He explained that the project was financed through a combination of loans and counterpart financing, with the federal government responsible for 15% of the project financing while 85% was covered by the financing.

Senior Country Officer and representative of the Southern African Development Bank, Siya Biniza, revealed that the bank has invested approximately $250 million in the project.

Biniza described the railway as a strategic infrastructure investment with significant potential economic benefits for northern Nigeria and the wider region.

He said the inspection showed that significant financial resources had already been committed to the project.

Meanwhile, the contractor, Mota-Engil Nigeria, has also reiterated its commitment to deliver the Kano-Katsina section by December 2026.

Vladislav Bystrenko, representing the company and acting as financial director, said the first phase of the project, which includes the Kano-Katsina corridor, should be completed by December.

He disclosed that the extension from Katsina to Maradi in Niger Republic is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

According to him, the project is about 80% complete.