…FG targets December launch

The federal government has affirmed its commitment to ensure completion and commissioning of the 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina railway project by December 2026, despite challenges posed by insecurity, land disputes and the seasonal slowdown in construction activities.

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transportation Engr. Funso Adebiyi gave the assurance during a joint inspection of the ongoing project by officials of the ministry, Ministry of Finance, representatives of lending institutions and the project contractor.

The Permanent Secretary represented by the Director, Rail Transport Services, Engr. Habibat Buhari while addressing the press following the test running of the completed track from Kazauri to Katsina. said the project remain on course despite the challenges encountered by the project.

According to her, the project encountered challenges including insecurity,and disputes over land and canal areas as the two major issues affecting the pace of construction.adding that the rainy season also slowed construction activities but stressed that significant work had already been accomplished.

Buhari explained that the current level of physical progress remained around 80 per cent, adding that materials required for track laying had already been stockpiled at the project camp, she assured that the government was working to ensure that the remaining activities were completed within the approved timeline.

She also disclosed that the government was intensifying engagement with affected communities and other stakeholders to resolve the land-related disputes and enable contractors to move into the affected sections.

Engr Buhari also said efforts were being made to ensure that the required rolling stock arrived in time for the commissioning.

Also speaking, representative of the ministry of finance, the director, Office of the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Muhammadu Kamal revealed that the federal government had released it15 per cent counterpart funding.

He explained that the project was being financed through a combination of loan facilities and counterpart funding, with the federal government responsible for 15 per cent of the project financing while 85 per cent was covered by the financing facility.

The Senior Country Officer and representative of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Siya Biniza disclosed that the bank had invested about $250 million in the project.

Biniza described the railway as a strategic infrastructure investment with significant potential economic benefits for northern Nigeria and the wider region.

Meanwhile, the contractor, Mota-Engil Nigeria, also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the Kano-Katsina section by December 2026.

Representing the company and speaking in his capacity as chief financial officer, Vladislav Bystrenko said the first phase of the project, covering the Kano-Katsina corridor, was expected to be completed by December.

He disclosed that the extension from Katsina to Maradi in Niger Republic was expected to be completed by the end of 2027.