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President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced that the Nigerian Government is committed to completing the 284-kilometre Kano–Jigawa–Katsina–Maradi railway project by 2026.
He made the announcement during a visit to Katsina State, where he commissioned the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre and a 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass located in the Tashar Bala area of the state.
The rail project, which links Kano State in Nigeria’s North-West to Maradi in neighbouring Niger Republic, is expected to ease the movement of people and goods across the region. President Tinubu said the development would help reduce the strain on the nation’s road network once completed.
In addition, he revealed that contracts have been awarded for the full rehabilitation of the Martabar Kankara–Dutsinma–Katsina Road, the Zaria–Hunkuyi–Dabai Road, and the Kafur–Malumfashi–Dayi–Gidan Mutum Daya Roads.
Speaking on the progress of other infrastructure works, the president said, “The second phase of the Katsina–Kano Road is firmly on course. We have resolved earlier technical and bureaucratic delays, and construction is ongoing.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he added, “We are determined to deliver these road projects on schedule. Likewise, the Kano–Jigawa–Katsina–Maradi railway will be completed by 2026. Upon completion, it will significantly ease transport and reduce pressure on our roads.”
President Tinubu also assured residents of Katsina State of continued federal support: “To the people of Katsina State, I assure you that the Federal Government has several projects and programmes in the pipeline to benefit those who are committed. Thank you for your prayers.”
The Kano–Maradi rail line was first initiated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with the Federal Executive Council approving $1.96 billion for the project’s construction in September 2020.
