The Government of Nigeria and the Republic of Niger on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding on their joint railway project, which will link Kano in Nigeria with Maradi in the Republic of Niger.

The Nigerian government stated that the project would further regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Nigerian Minister of Transport, Mu’azu Sambo, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger in Abuja together with the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Niger, Alma Oumarou.

Commerce: Sambo affirmed that the Nigeria-Republic of Niger railway line will boost trade and other socio-economic activities between Nigeria, the Republic of Niger and West Africa.

He added that it will also facilitate the realization of the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to which Nigeria and the Republic of Niger are signatories.

  • “I am aware that people have blood relations across borders, so the project will further the historical and cultural relationship between the people of Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
  • “The project is also very important to improve international and continental trade.”

project implementation: He said that a Technical Committee would be established within seven days in accordance with Article 3 of the MoU, adding that the nomination of members and the inauguration of the Technical Committee would conclude in the first week of February.

The Technical Committee will be in charge of the facilitation and implementation of the project.

Oumarou, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Niger, added that the railway project would promote international and continental trade between the two countries.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said negotiations on the Kano-Maradi railway line had been ongoing for the past two years and said the MoU would speed up the completion of the project.

Peace: President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement issued by the Presidency noted that the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway line (Republic of Niger) was designed to improve neighborliness and facilitate economic activity between Nigeria and Niger, and not just because of cultural affiliation. He added:

  • “If you want to enjoy peace and harmony, you must be very kind to your neighbor. So when I took office, I started by visiting all of our neighbors.”

what you should know

Nairametrics reported in 2021 that FG revealed that the Kano-Maradi railway would be completed in 36 months and expects that the 283 km railway will also be used for the development of freight and passenger transport, and integrated with road transport, they said:

  • “The new railway corridor (Kano-Maradi) will go through Kano, Jigawa and Katsina and through the territory of the Republic of Niger to Maradi. Cities like Danbatta (Kano), Kazaure (Jigawa) and Daura, Mashi, Jibia (Katsina) will also be affected by the new railway line in Nigeria.”