……Northern Nigeria’s long-awaited rail revival is finally gathering speed.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, has announced that the Kano–Kaduna rail line is on track to begin full operations in 2026 — a development expected to transform movement, trade and connectivity across the region.
Speaking on the progress of key national rail projects, Opeifa described the Kano–Kaduna line as a strategic link that will ease passenger travel, boost commerce and strengthen economic integration between major northern cities.
He further revealed that the ambitious Lagos–Kano–Maradi rail corridor — a transnational route linking southern Nigeria to Niger Republic — is projected for completion in 2027, positioning Nigeria as a major rail hub in West Africa.
Rail sector watchers say the timelines signal renewed momentum in the Federal Government’s rail modernisation drive, with implications for job creation, reduced road congestion and safer long-distance travel.
For millions of commuters and traders who have waited years for steel to replace asphalt, the message from the NRC is clear:
the tracks are nearly ready — and the trains are coming.
As 2026 approaches, expectations are rising that the whistle of progress will soon echo from Kaduna to Kano.
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