Nigeria is enhancing its transport network with the development of the Kano-Maradi railway, a strategic line designed to improve food supply chains and regional trade across West Africa. According to updates from Railway Supply, the project reflects Nigeria’s commitment to efficient logistics and agricultural resilience.
Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, highlighted that Maradi, although located in neighboring Niger, is a key center for the distribution of cereals and livestock that are essential to Nigeria’s food system. Connecting Kano to Maradi will allow smoother transit of agricultural goods from border regions into Nigeria’s domestic markets.
This railway will play a crucial role in stabilizing Nigeria’s food logistics network, ensuring that essential goods move quickly and efficiently across regions. Opeifa emphasized that transport infrastructure is a critical part of food security, noting that poor mobility undermines the ability to deliver food effectively across the country.
African Union’s Agenda 2063
The project supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes infrastructure that connects landlocked and coastal nations to strengthen regional economic integration. The Kano-Maradi rail line is an example of how such goals can be realized through targeted investment in transport links.
Opeifa also pointed out that criticism often stems from misunderstanding Maradi’s role. While some focus on its location outside Nigeria, its function within the wider West African food trade network makes it a valuable logistics hub for Nigeria.
The new rail corridor will not only link Kano to Maradi but also connect Nigeria’s northern regions to key cities like Kaduna, Abuja, and Lagos. This internal network will improve both local transportation and long-distance freight movement, reinforcing nationwide logistics capacity.
Additionally, recent changes in Nigeria’s legislative framework now allow state governments to develop their own rail lines. By moving rail transport to the concurrent legislative list, states can seek independent funding and tailor infrastructure projects to local needs. This policy opens up new possibilities for comprehensive rail planning across the country.
Ultimately, the Kano-Maradi railway is more than a cross-border link—it represents a broader vision for modernizing Nigeria’s logistics systems, ensuring food accessibility, and supporting long-term economic development across the region.