President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to completing the 284-kilometre Kano–Jigawa–Katsina–Maradi railway project by 2026. He said:
The Federal Government plans to complete the 284 kilometre Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi rail project by 2026.
The railway line, a flagship cross-border transport initiative, is expected to significantly enhance trade and mobility between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Project factsheet: Kano–Maradi railway
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Total length: 284 kilometres
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Route: Kano (Nigeria) – Jigawa – Katsina – Maradi (Niger Republic)
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Gauge: Standard gauge railway
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Contractor: Mota-Engil (Portuguese construction firm)
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Initial approval: September 2020 under President Muhammadu Buhari
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Project cost: $1.96 billion
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Major financiers: Nigerian Government, African Development Bank (AfDB), China Exim Bank, IFC
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Counterpart funding: Over ₦530 billion allocated in 2024 supplementary budget
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Target completion date: 2026
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Current milestone: Kano–Daura section scheduled for completion by 2025
Kano–Maradi Railway is a strategic regional connector
The rail corridor runs through Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina before reaching Maradi in Niger, positioning it as a vital artery for regional integration and economic development. Once operational, it will provide a safer, faster, and more efficient mode of transporting goods and passengers across West Africa.
Originally initiated during the Buhari administration in 2020, the Kano–Maradi standard gauge line was approved at a cost of $1.96 billion. In January 2021, the federal government signed a deal with Mota-Engil to design, construct, and equip the line.
Transport Minister Saidu Alkali earlier confirmed that the Kano–Daura section is on track for completion in 2025, with other segments advancing under the current administration. Additional financial support includes a $350 million facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB), as well as significant budget allocations.
Portugal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jorge Adao Martins Dos Santos, also reaffirmed in July 2024 that Portuguese firms were committed to completing the entire project by the 2026 deadline.
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Road projects to complement the Kano–Maradi railway
President Tinubu also announced the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of several key roads in the region to complement the railway. These include:
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Martabar Kankara–Dutsinma–Katsina road
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Zaria–Hunkuyi–Dabai road
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Kafur–Malumfashi–Dayi–Gidan Mutum Daya roads
Furthermore, the second phase of the Katsina–Kano road project is underway after earlier technical and bureaucratic delays were resolved. Addressing Katsina residents, Tinubu assured continued federal investment:
The Federal Government is committed to numerous projects that will benefit Katsina and other states. Your support and prayers are appreciated.
