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Opemipo Ogunleye
1 month ago
Overview
Kano-Maradi rail project to reach Katsina December – FG
By
Abdullateef Aliyu, Lagos
Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali yesterday disclosed that the Kano-Maradi rail project will reach Katsina by December, 2025, reiterating that the project would be completed by March 2027.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the country’s transport sector through massive infrastructure investment, manpower development and policy reform.
Alkali spoke just as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola explained that the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy was aimed at reducing logistics costs, enhancing trade competitiveness, and unlocking private sector investment in Nigeria’s maritime and transport sectors.
The duo spoke in Lagos on Wednesday at the Second Transport Summit of the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN).
The Transportation Minister who was represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, explained that the Kaduna-Kano and Kano-Maradi ongoing rail project recorded appreciable execution progress from five per cent to 15 per cent at the inception of this administration to over 50 per cent and 60 per cent respectively.
Daily Trust reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had also explained that the project had reached 60 per cent completion during the just concluded International Railways Summit in Abuja.
Reiterating this yesterday, he stated that the project when completed would boost economic activities in Nigeria.
He also disclosed that the Federal Executive Council recently approved the construction of one modern Bus Terminal in Abeokuta (South-West), Onitsha (South-East), Warri (South-South), Kano (North-West), Lokoja (North-Central) and Gombe (North-East).
This development, he said, will no doubt address the challenges of operational inefficiencies, intra-city traffic congestion, unregulated motor parks and safety hazards affecting passengers and transport operators across the country.
The Minister said the rail modernisation projects from Lagos-Kano, the rehabilitated Old Narrow Gauge from Lagos to Kano and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Old Narrow Gauge from Port Harcourt-Maiduguri with many more new projects like the High Speed Rail from Lagos to Abuja, Lagos to Kano and Port-Harcourt to Abuja are sufficient indicators of the administration’s concerns for the development of the transportation sector in Nigeria.
Alkali praised President Bola Tinubu for championing far-reaching transport reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the administration’s resolve is already reshaping Nigeria’s mobility landscape.
“The President has provided clear direction and commitment to making public transportation efficient, safe, integrated, and affordable. His administration’s policies are laying the foundation for a truly modern transport system,” Alkali said.
Marine, Blue economy policy to reduce logistics costs – Oyetola
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Iloro reiterated that the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy aimed at reducing logistics costs, enhancing trade competitiveness, and unlocking private sector investment in Nigeria’s maritime and transport sectors.
He said, “Our goal is to lower the cost of doing business, improve cargo turnaround times, and create a more attractive environment for private capital. This positions Nigeria as a logistics hub for West and Central Africa.”
The Minister outlined key initiatives already in motion, including; Operationalisation of the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail line for cargo evacuation. Expansion of barge services at Lagos and Onne ports, Completion of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, and Commissioning of the 27km Lekki Port Access Road.
Oyetola also highlighted the development of inland dry ports in Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, and Funtua as a strategy to decongest seaports and strengthen regional trade routes.
Programme Director Mr Michael Oluwagbemi of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) stated that to unlock economic growth, Nigeria must ensure its transport systems are not only effective but also sustainable, affordable, and future-ready.
Oluwagbemi, represented by Mrs Ugonna Onyemelukwe, added that through efficient transport and logistics industries would thrive, agricultural produce reaches markets, and people stay connected.
“This is where the Presidential CNG Initiative comes in, to accelerate Nigeria’s transition from petrol and diesel to CNG, and provide Nigerians — especially those in the transport and logistics value chains with cheaper, cleaner, and safer energy alternatives,’’ he said.
He pointed out that CNG was important for the transport sector because it saves cost, reduces environmental footprints of logistics operations, and harnesses Nigeria’s energy security.
He noted that Pi-CNG had begun rolling out conversion centers, training programmes, and fueling infrastructure nationwide.
“We are working hand-in-hand with transport unions, private investors, and government agencies to ensure that buses, taxis, trucks, and even motorcycles can be powered by CNG.”
Credit: Daily Trust
