The contractors responsible for the Kaduna-Kano rail project have expressed concerns about security, stating that 22.6 per cent of the construction work has been completed.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, has instructed the contractors to reconsider the metal clips they are using to secure the rail track. He believes that this measure would help protect the rail from vandals and thieves.

This directive was given during his inspection of the construction site in Makarfi Local Government area of Kaduna State on a recent Saturday. He stated, “We came to see for ourselves, as seeing is believing. We were able to evaluate the performance of the contractors of the Kaduna-Kano rail project. As we stand here, we started making some minor observations about the clips they are using. We asked them to use anti-theft clips so that they cannot be easily removed.”

Despite the security challenges this project faces, he assured Nigerians that they should expect delivery in the shortest possible time.

According to its contractors, the project has reached 22.6 per cent completion so far. However, they have voiced concerns about security in the area and have requested military collaboration. They noted that two months ago, two of their staff were kidnapped along Tashar Yari in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State.

It’s worth noting that this project was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) in 2021.