Headlines
FG to complete Kano-Kaduna rail line this year
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Federal Government has said the ongoing construction of the Kaduna to Kano rail line will be completed before the end of this year.
KANO FOCUS reports that the government also said it was hoping to construct a speed rail from Abuja to Lagos before the end of the year.
It said two organisations have indicated interest in constructing the speed rail through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.
The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Adeleye Adeoye, announced this in a telephone interview with The Nation at the weekend.
The permanent secretary said the construction of the speed rail would start as soon as the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) completes its due process and gives the ministry the green light.
He said: “On the part of the government, we are working very hard to ensure that before the end of this year, we connect Kaduna to Kano by rail. If that is done, we will be able to move people from Abuja to Kano.
“The President is working very hard and doing everything possible to make sure we complete the Kaduna-Kano rail line before the end of this year.”
Commenting on the connection of Lagos to Abuja by a speed rail, Adeoye said: “We have had some private groups that have approached us under the PPP model. They are bringing their funds. As I speak to you now, we have at least two different organisations that have approached us to build a speed rail from Lagos to Abuja.
“You know, in a government setting, we have to follow due process. So, we are waiting on the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to give the final nod. They are empowered by law to make sure anybody coming on PPP follows due procedure.
“So, as soon as the ICRC gives us the final approval that we can engage with the people, I’m sure before the end of this year, construction of the speed rail line from Lagos to Abuja will commence.”
The permanent secretary listed some challenges that have stalled the construction of some rail tracks and other facilities.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government is currently in Lisbon, Portugal, on a study tour as part of preparations for the proposed Kano Light Rail Project.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation is led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Chairman of the Kano Line Resuscitation Committee, Hon. Alhaji Saeed Abdullahi Shuaibu.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ibrahim Ado Sabari, Information Officer of Kano Line.
According to the statement, the team is engaging with leading transport and engineering institutions, including Mota-Engil and MTS – Metro Transportes do Sul, in Lisbon and Almada to gain technical insights into rail infrastructure development.
The study tour is part of the Kano State Government’s efforts under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to establish a modern rail network within Kano metropolis and surrounding areas.
The proposed Kano Light Rail Project is aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion and stimulating socio-economic development across the state.
Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Transport and Kano Line are expected to study rail operations, maintenance systems, safety standards and sustainable transport financing models during the visit.
The delegation is also exploring opportunities for technical partnerships, knowledge exchange and possible investment collaborations to ensure the long-term efficiency and sustainability of the project.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of N1 trillion for the establishment of the Kano Light Rail Project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
When completed, the project is expected to connect major residential, commercial and industrial hubs within Kano metropolis, create employment opportunities, facilitate trade and improve access to key urban centres.
The Kano State Government said it remains committed to delivering a modern, reliable and efficient rail transport system that meets international standards and addresses the growing transportation needs of residents.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Alhaji Aliyu Lawan, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta, has congratulated Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
In a congratulatory message shared via Facebook, Lawan described Doguwa’s emergence as well deserved and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party effectively in the state.
He also extended his congratulations to other executive members elected alongside Doguwa into various party offices, noting that their emergence reflects the trust and confidence reposed in them by party members and stakeholders across Kano State.
According to him, the development is a clear testament to the dedication, loyalty and commitment of the newly elected leaders to the unity, stability and progress of the party.
Lawan further prayed that Allah grants the new chairman and his team wisdom, strength and foresight as they assume the responsibility of steering the affairs of the APC in Kano State.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership would promote harmony, inclusiveness and effective leadership within the party, while bringing renewed vigour, unity and success to the APC in the state and beyond.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State House of Assembly has issued a notice of impeachment to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
KANO FOCUS reports the notice followed the presentation of a report by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, during plenary on Wednesday. The sitting was presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Isma’il Falgore.
While presenting the report, the Majority Leader explained that the action was taken in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines the procedure for the impeachment of a governor or deputy governor.
According to him, the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 members of the Assembly.
He further stated that once the notice is formally served on the deputy governor, he will have 14 days to respond to the allegations contained in the document.
The development marks the beginning of the constitutional process that could lead to the impeachment of the deputy governor if the procedure continues as stipulated by law.
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Majidadin Dambatta congratulates Doguwa on emergence as Kano APC chairman
Kano Assembly issues impeachment notice to Deputy Governor Gwarzo
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