The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing and commissioning the 284-kilometre Kano-Daura rail project by December 2026, despite challenges including insecurity and land acquisition issues.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, represented by the Director of Rail Transport Services, Engr. Habiba Buhari, gave the assurance during an inspection of the ongoing project.
Buhari said the inspection, conducted alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance and project lenders, was aimed at assessing the level of progress and implementation.
She noted that work had continued despite difficulties associated with the rainy season, adding that the remaining track-laying activities were expected to be completed soon.
The ministry identified insecurity along some sections of the project corridor and land-related disputes around Kano as key challenges slowing down construction. It said discussions with relevant stakeholders were ongoing to resolve the issues and ensure smooth execution.
The Federal Ministry of Finance also confirmed that funds were being released as required, with substantial resources already committed to the project. Under the financing arrangement, the Federal Government is expected to provide 15 per cent of the project cost, while the financing facility covers the remaining 85 per cent.
The ministry described the rail line as a strategic infrastructure project capable of boosting connectivity and generating significant economic benefits upon completion.
During the inspection, the delegation also test-ran the train from Kazaure to Daura and inspected several facilities under construction along the route.
