Government Targets Completion Of Lagos-Kano Line By 2027
President Bola Tinubu approved N1.5 trillion for railway modernization projects, focusing on the completion of the Lagos-Kano standard gauge line by 2027. The announcement, made during a Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, aims to enhance transportation and boost economic activity. The Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, stated that the funds would cover track rehabilitation, new locomotives, and station upgrades across seven states. The project includes extending the rail line to northern cities like Sokoto and Maiduguri to improve trade connectivity. Alkali directed contractors to prioritize local labor, targeting 100,000 jobs. The Federal Government signed agreements with Chinese and European firms to supply equipment, with work resuming in September. State governments along the rail corridor, including Lagos and Kano, pledged to provide land and security for construction. The initiative responds to public demands for reliable transportation, as Nigeria’s road network faces congestion and decay. The ministry established a monitoring task force to ensure timely completion, with quarterly progress reports mandated. The rail project aligns with Tinubu’s economic diversification goals, aiming to reduce reliance on road transport. The government also allocated funds for feasibility studies on new rail lines in the South-East. The approval has sparked calls for transparency, with stakeholders urging accountability in fund utilization. The project’s success is critical for Nigeria’s infrastructure development, with implications for economic growth and voter sentiment ahead of 2027.