…As FG considers naming Zaria Station after preceding Emir of Zauzau

The Federal Government has said the Kaduna-Kano railway project is about 90 per cent completed and expressed optimism of commissioning it by December.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transportation Engr Funso Adebiyi who disclosed this while on board a train from Jaji in Kaduna to Kano state.

He said that despite initial challenges of insecurity, compensations among other issues, the Ministry is working hard to ensure completion and commissioning of the project by December.
The Permanent Secretary said the project, which spans about 203 kilometres, would provide seamless rail connectivity between Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano when completed.

He further expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, describing the rail alignment, embankment protection, soil stabilisation and compaction as excellent, saying smooth train ride from Zaria-Kano demonstrated that the project had been executed in line with specifications.
According to him, about 178 km has been completed while approximately remaining 10km to be completed on the stretch under consideration.

He identified the settlement of compensation claims arising from land acquisition in Kaduna State as a major issue affecting the completion of the remaining section linking Jaji to the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor.
The Permanent Secretary however assured that the government was working to resolve the outstanding claims, adding that the matter would be prioritised upon his return to Abuja.

He assured that President Bola Tinubu was committed to ensuring the project’s completion within the shortest possible time.
He said the completion of the railway would enable passengers to travel by train from Abuja through Kaduna and Zaria to Kano without interruption.

Engr Funso also said the railway projects linking Kano to Kazaure, Daura and Katsina were expected to be completed by December, adding that work was ongoing to meet the deadline.
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau Amb. Nuhu Ahmad Bamali expressed delight at the return of railway services to Zaria, describing the development as a significant milestone that rekindled the historical relationship between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.

Recalling his childhood experience with the railway, the monarch said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time, describing the experience as a memorable part of the area’s railway history.
The Emir consequently appealed to the Federal Government to consider naming the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his role in railway establishment in Kaduna State.

He urged the Permanent Secretary to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing hope that the government would give it favourable consideration.
The Emir raised concerns about settlement of land acquisition issues, urging the authorities to address their grievances and ensure that their interests received appropriate consideration.