Kaduna–Kano standard gauge railway reaches 90% completion after official inspection
The Kaduna–Kano standard gauge railway project has reached about 90% completion, following an official inspection on 23 October 2026. The inspection was led by Permanent Secretary Engr. Funso Adebiyi and Director of Rail Transport Services Engr. Habiba Buhari from the Federal Ministry of Transportation. The team travelled by train from Jaji to Kano to check the progress and quality of the new railway. They found that 145 kilometres of the 200-kilometre route are finished, with about 10 kilometres of work still to be done on this section.
The inspection focused on the technical condition of the railway. The team checked track alignment, drainage, embankment protection and soil stabilisation. They paid special attention to areas with elevation differences of six metres or more, which need extra soil work and protection to keep the railway safe and strong. The officials said that most of the construction met the required standards and that the train journey between Jaji and Kano was smooth, showing good progress.
However, the main obstacle to finishing the project is unresolved land acquisition and compensation claims in Kaduna metropolis. These issues are blocking the final connection between Jaji and the existing Abuja–Kaduna railway. The Federal Government has promised to address these claims quickly, but until they are resolved, uninterrupted passenger services from Abuja through Kaduna and Zaria to Kano cannot begin. This is a key step for the project’s success and for improving travel in the region.
The railway is part of a larger plan to improve passenger connectivity and offer an alternative to road transport in north-western Nigeria. The government also aims to finish the sections from Kano through Kazaure and Daura to Katsina by December 2026. If completed on time, the new railway will connect major cities and support economic activity along the corridor, making travel safer and faster for business, leisure, and group travellers.
For the travel trade, this project may open new opportunities for rail-based itineraries and better links between Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano. However, agencies should watch for updates on the timeline for full operations, as the unresolved land issues could cause delays. It is not yet clear when the final connection will be ready, so sellers should check with suppliers before orted by Editor.
