The Federal Government has reaffirmed that the Kano–Daura–Katsina segment of the much-anticipated Kano–Maradi Railway Development Project will be completed and ready for inauguration before the end of December, despite challenges ranging from security concerns to land disputes and vandalism.

The assurance came after a three-day inspection tour by officials from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Ministry of Finance and representatives of the project's financiers, who assessed progress on the strategic rail corridor linking northern Nigeria to neighbouring Niger Republic.

According to findings from the inspection, construction on the Kano–Katsina section has crossed a major milestone, with physical work now exceeding 75 per cent completion.

The assessment also included a successful test run on a completed stretch of the railway line, with government officials travelling by train from Kazaure to Katsina, providing firsthand confirmation of progress on the project.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Gift Seddon, the government expressed confidence that the remaining work would be completed within the approved schedule.

Speaking after the inspection, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, said the project remains firmly on track for commissioning in December.

Represented by the Director of Rail Transport Services, Habiba Buhari, Adebiyi acknowledged that seasonal rains had slowed construction activities in some areas but stressed that the setback had not altered the completion target.

He disclosed that critical construction materials required for the remaining track-laying works had already been stockpiled at the project camp, positioning contractors to accelerate work as weather conditions improve.

The permanent secretary noted that the project has continued to face several challenges, including insecurity, theft and vandalism of construction materials, difficulties in accessing some urban project sites, illegal laterite mining activities along the Kano–Dutse corridor and weather-related disruptions.

He further revealed that disagreements over land acquisition and compensation in some communities had also created delays, with some residents yet to fully accept provisions under the Land Use Act.

Despite these hurdles, Adebiyi maintained that none of the challenges posed a threat to the project's overall completion date.

According to him, the Federal Government has intensified engagement with affected communities and stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues and ensure contractors have unhindered access to project locations.

Attention is also turning to the procurement of rolling stock—the trains required to operate the railway—which government officials described as the next critical phase ahead of commissioning.

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Adebiyi said efforts were ongoing to ensure that enough trains arrive before December to support the official inauguration of the rail line.

“Even if we don’t get all of it, at least we will get the ones to commission by December,” he said.

Representatives of the project's financiers also expressed confidence in the investment, describing the railway as a transformational infrastructure project capable of unlocking significant economic opportunities for Nigeria.

Senior Country Officer and representative of the financing institution, Siya Biniza, said the project would enhance regional trade, improve transportation efficiency and stimulate economic growth across the corridor.

On the funding side, the Federal Ministry of Finance confirmed that the government had fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations.

Speaking during the inspection, the Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammadu Kamal, disclosed that the Federal Government had already released its required 15 per cent counterpart contribution.

He explained that while the government is responsible for 15 per cent of the project's financing, the remaining 85 per cent is being covered through external financing arrangements.

Meanwhile, construction firm Mota-Engil Nigeria has also pledged to meet the December deadline for the Kano–Katsina phase of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the contractor, the company's Chief Financial Officer, Vladislav Bystrenko, said work on the first phase of the railway corridor was progressing steadily and remained on schedule for completion this year.

He added that construction of the remaining section from Katsina to Maradi in the Republic of Niger is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

When completed, the Kano–Maradi railway is expected to boost trade, improve movement of goods and passengers, strengthen regional economic integration and open up new opportunities for businesses and communities across northern Nigeria and beyond.