Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, has announced that the Kaduna–Kano standard gauge rail project has reached 53% completion, a significant leap from the 15% progress recorded before President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

Alkali disclosed on Monday during the 2nd International Railway Conference in Abuja, highlighting the government’s commitment to fast-tracking rail infrastructure across the country.

He explained that the project, which is a critical part of Nigeria’s rail modernization agenda, is expected to be completed and commissioned by December 2026.

The Minister also provided updates on the Kano–Maradi railway line, a 387-kilometre corridor with an extension to Dutse. According to him, the project has advanced from just 5% to 60% completion, with the line projected to reach Katsina by December 2025 and the full corridor ready for commissioning by March 2027.

Alkali emphasized the importance of the Kano–Maradi line, describing it as a gateway to West Africa’s markets, which will expand trade opportunities by linking Nigeria to the Republic of Niger and beyond.