Construction on the $1.96 billion Kano-Maradi rail project has picked up pace, despite tensions between Nigeria's Federal Government and Niger’s military junta. The project, funded partly by the African Development Bank, spans 283.75 kilometers across 122 communities in Nigeria and 11 in Niger Republic. Residents in Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina have voiced optimism about its potential to boost trade and connectivity, with completion targeted for 2026.
However, compensation issues persist for thousands of displaced persons. A settlement audit revealed dissatisfaction among over 30% of Project Affected Persons (PAPs), citing inadequate payment based on outdated asset valuation methods. Farmers and residents in affected areas expressed frustration over delays, with many still awaiting promised compensation for lost farmland and homes. Community leaders have urged the government to address these concerns transparently.
At project sites in Kano and Jigawa states, construction progress is evident, rekindling hopes for economic transformation. Residents expressed enthusiasm for the railway’s potential to enhance transportation, reduce costs, and create job opportunities. Community leaders like Alhaji Abdullahi Shuwarin have called the project a "game-changer" that could spur development and trade across the region.
The audit has recommended adopting fairer valuation practices and expediting payments to displaced persons. Meanwhile, local traders and farmers remain optimistic about the railway’s promise of economic uplift, eagerly anticipating its completion.
