In a significant boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure drive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway project has achieved approximately 62% completion, with key milestones targeted for December. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, highlighted the progress during inspections and media tours of the North-West region.
Project Overview and Strategic Importance
The Kano–Maradi Railway is a flagship cross-border infrastructure initiative designed to connect Kano in Nigeria to Maradi in the Republic of Niger. The approximately 284–393 km single-track standard gauge line (with variations in reporting depending on included branches) forms part of Nigeria’s national rail modernization program. It includes a main line passing through Jigawa and Katsina states, plus a branch line to Dutse.
Key features of the project include:
Around 20 stations
5 workshops
52 bridges
Over 80 road crossings
Upon completion, the line is expected to transport up to 3,000 metric tons of goods and approximately 9,374 passengers daily. It will seamlessly integrate with the Lagos-Kano rail network, enhancing regional trade, economic integration with Niger, and connectivity across northern Nigeria.
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The project symbolizes continuity in major infrastructure development, building on foundations laid in previous administrations while receiving renewed impetus under President Tinubu. It aims to reduce transportation costs, boost agricultural exports, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria-Niger bilateral relations.
Current Progress and Timeline
During a Presidential Media Team tour in Jigawa State in early May 2026, Resident Engineer Engr. Ali Bukar (Federal Ministry of Transportation) reported steady advancement, with the project at around 60% overall completion across key corridors. Sunday Dare and the team inspected ongoing works, including earthworks, bridge construction, track-laying, and station development.
Dare specifically noted strong progress, describing the line as 62% ready in some updates, with expectations for substantial completion or key sectional commissioning by December. Broader project delivery is targeted for December 2027, with sections such as the branch to Dutse and extensions to Katsina advancing on schedule. Track-laying and structural works are intensifying.
Challenges like security concerns and coordination across borders have been managed, allowing consistent momentum. Funding combines government commitment with international financing, supporting uninterrupted engineering, procurement, and construction by contractor Mota-Engil.
Economic and Regional Impact
Once operational, the Kano-Maradi line will serve as a vital trade corridor, facilitating the movement of goods between Nigeria’s economic hubs and landlocked Niger. It promises to stimulate local economies along the route, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and position Nigeria as a regional transportation leader in West Africa.Experts view it as complementary to other ongoing rail projects, such as the Kaduna-Kano segment, forming part of a larger eastern and northern connectivity network.
Government Commitment
Sunday Dare has consistently showcased the project as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s focus on tangible infrastructure delivery. “This Kano-Maradi rail system… will serve as a major international rail corridor we’ve never had,” he emphasized during site visits.
The Federal Government continues routine inspections to ensure quality and timely delivery, aligning with broader goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.As construction advances rapidly, stakeholders remain optimistic that the December milestones will mark another significant achievement in Nigeria’s rail renaissance, unlocking new opportunities for trade, mobility, and development in the region.
