Tinubu restates commitment to rail modernisation, logistics hub ambition

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to position Nigeria as Africa’s logistics hub through sustained railway modernisation.

Speaking at the 2nd International Railway Conference in Abuja yesterday, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, described rail transport as central to industrialisation, trade and national integration.

“The world has remained committed to railway services because they represent more than a mode of transport. They connect raw materials to factories, workers to opportunities, and farmers to markets,” Shettima said.

He explained that the government’s railway drive is intended to ease pressure on highways, reduce accidents, and promote safer, cheaper and greener transportation.

Flagship projects such as the Lagos–Kano, Kano–Maradi and Port Harcourt–Maiduguri lines, he said, are designed to attract private sector participation while boosting regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, the Kano–Maradi project, which stood at 5 per cent completion when the administration assumed office, has now reached 60 per cent. “Our aspiration is for a nation where industries can convey their products to markets, and where raw materials can move seamlessly from producers to factories without hindrance,” he added.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also highlighted a proposed Integrated Gas, Power and High-Speed Rail project backed by a $60 billion financing commitment from the Asia Development and Investment Bank, describing it as “transformative and inclusive.”

Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, disclosed that the Kaduna–Kano standard gauge project is now 53 per cent complete, while the Kano–Maradi line will reach Katsina by December. He said the Kaduna–Kano project is scheduled for commissioning by December 2026, and the Kano–Maradi line by March 2027.

Alkali emphasised the strategic value of the two projects, noting that the Kano–Maradi corridor will serve as a gateway to West African markets, boosting Nigeria’s trade footprint across the subregion.