Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, announced that the 387-kilometer Kano-Maradi railway project has achieved 60% completion.
Speaking at the second International Railway Conference in Abuja, Alkali highlighted significant progress in the nation’s rail infrastructure, including an extension of the project to Dutse in Jigawa State.
“The Kano-Maradi railway, now extended to Dutse, has advanced from 5% to 60% completion,” Alkali declared.
He also noted that the 203-kilometer Kaduna-Kano rail modernization project has progressed from 15% to 53% under the current administration.
“The Kaduna-Kano line is on track for completion by December 2026, while the Kano-Maradi project will reach Katsina by December 2025 and be fully commissioned by March 2027,” he added.
Additionally, the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge for freight transport to the Dala Inland Dry Port is nearing completion, enhancing connectivity from seaports.
Alkali revealed that the Federal Executive Council has approved the construction of modern bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, to be located in Abeokuta (South West), Onitsha (South East), Warri (South-South), Lokoja (North Central), Kano (North West), and Gombe (North East). These terminals aim to improve passenger safety and transport efficiency.
The minister underscored the conference’s goal of fostering collaboration among rail experts and stakeholders to explore funding and innovations.
“Railways are a catalyst for national development, boosting commerce and economic growth through enhanced connectivity,” Alkali stated.
He credited President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritizing transportation, noting the introduction of cost-effective dual-fuel locomotives on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor and federal support for light rail projects in Kaduna, Kano, and Ogun to drive public transport and economic productivity.
CEO of De-Sadel Consortium, Samuel Uko, lauded the government’s approval of a high-speed rail project, predicting it will position Nigeria as home to the world’s second-largest high-speed rail network upon completion.
“This initiative will create two million direct and indirect jobs,” Uko affirmed.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, emphasized the projects’ potential to attract foreign investment and bolster infrastructure. “These rail developments will enhance Nigeria’s revenue profile and lay a strong foundation for future transportation growth,” he said.
