The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) announced that the Kaduna–Kano Standard Gauge Railway is scheduled for inauguration on December 3, 2026. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive to enhance railway infrastructure in Northern Nigeria.
According to the APC-PCC, the 203-kilometre railway linking Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano has reached approximately 90 percent completion, while the Kano–Katsina–Maradi railway project is now about 70 percent complete. The statement from the council indicated that when President Tinubu took office in 2023, these projects were significantly behind schedule, with the Kano-Katsina-Maradi project at only five percent and the Kaduna-Kano project at less than 30 percent.
The Kaduna–Kano railway, which extends from the existing Abuja–Kaduna line, aims to strengthen transportation links between major commercial centres in Northern Nigeria. A recent inspection of these projects was conducted under the direction of President Tinubu, led by Funso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation. Adebiyi reportedly expressed satisfaction with the construction quality, specifically praising aspects such as railway alignment and drainage infrastructure.
Additionally, the council emphasized that all outstanding land acquisition and compensation matters within Kaduna should be resolved swiftly to ensure completion. The inspection included a train test-run from Jaji in Kaduna State to Kano, allowing officials to assess the infrastructure and passenger experience.
Once operational, the Kaduna–Kano railway is expected to improve passenger transport, stimulate commercial activities, and provide a viable alternative to road travel in the region. The Kano–Katsina–Maradi railway will also enhance cross-border transportation and trade with Niger Republic.
