Olawale Rasheed,Director,African Railway Roundtable writes about a new rail corridor,the Kano-Maradi line that is to connect Sahelo Sahara region with West African coast through Nigeria.

The Nigerian government under Muhammadu Buhari is creating an economically strategic railway corridor between Sahelo-Sahara region and Nigerian southern coast through the construction of the Kano – Maradi railway corridor between Nigeria and Niger republics.The project is widely seen as a major effort to open up Nigeria to new economic opportunities through the tapping of historical ties with most countries of the Sahel and the Sahara region.

The significance of the project lies in creating a viable trade corridor between borderline region of Nigeria to link the Sahelo Sahara region represented by Niger republic and the rest of Nigeria, first from the Lagos-Kano line and second from Port Harcourt-Maiduguri-Kano line. The project slated to have 12 stations covers Dutse, Gaya, Wudil, Kano, Dambatta, Kazaure, Daura, Shargale, Marshi, Katisna, Jibia and Maradi in Southern Niger republic. The historic trans-Sahara trade route that has Kano as a major trading point is being recreated through the new railway corridor.

The project is for the construction of a standard gauge railway line with an alignment of about 387 km from Kano to Maradi and a branch line from Kano to Dutse. The 284 km Kano-Maradi Railway Line will connect three federal states in northern Nigeria, namely Kano, Jigawa and Katsina, and the Republic of Niger (Maradi), while the 93 km branch line will connect the capital of Jigawa’s State (Dutse) to Kano. Consequently, the northern region of Nigeria and the Southern part of Niger will benefit from an important connection to the Nigerian railway network under construction and to Lagos and Lekki Port.

The design and construction of a single track standard gauge rail line (with associated stations) between Kano to Maradi (284km) and a branch line between Kano to Dutse (93km), will be performed under an EPC contract. The design is for a single-track standard gauge rail line (with associated stations) between Kano to Maradi and a branch line between Kano to Dutse that comprises.

The company handling the USD 1.88 billion project, Mota-engil Africa had this week held a project mobilisation event in Switzerland, marketting the project to European companies, suppliers and sub-contractors with technical wherewithal. Reports indicated that the event was hugely successful with several companies across the value chains showing interest in the trans-national project.

The contractor, Mota-Engil is a company listed on the Euronext Lisbon, being part of the main stock index ( PSI 20). Founded in 1946, today the Group is a Multinational with operations focused on construction and infrastructure management in the segments of engineering and construction, waste management, transport Concessions, energy and mining. As a leader in Portugal with a a consolidated position in the Ranks of the 30th European Construction Groups, Mota-Engil is making its mark on three continents and in 28 countries.

The Nigerian government took the unsual step of engaging a European company as different from the Chinese companies which have dominated the Nigerian rail scene.The choice of Mota-Engil was however not a political decision. In October 2018,Mota-Engil Africa was listed as preferred bidder for the Project. After a due diligence mission conducted by a delegation composed by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the company’s expertise to execute the Project was confirmed and Mota-Engil was recommended for the Project to be taken by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for final approval.

The project has significant positive contributions to make to the growth and development of Nigeria and neighbouring countries. To start with, a standard guage rail link between landlocked Niger republic and Lagos ports opens the prospect of Niger routing her imports and exports through Nigerian ports. With Port Baro on River Niger, subsequent rail link to the Lagos -Kano line and a functioning dry port in Kaduna, the Sahel-Sahara nations may turn to Nigeria for import and export businesses. While southern Nigeria is the hub for West African busineses, northern Nigeria may soon become the business hub for Sahelo Sahara region. Both South and Northern Nigeria can then combined linked by SGR rail link to enhance the nation’s status as the biggest economy on the continent.

Contrary to earlier politicisation by activists, the project has the very huge potential to make positive socio-economic and environmental footprint. As already noted by experts,this railway project is a trade enabling infrastructure which will facilitate intra-regional trade and contribute to the creation of socio-economic development of the Northern Nigeria, a region with high population density and agricultural production. The project is structured following the highest environmental and social requirements in line with International Finance Corporation World Banks standards, OECD common approaches and Equator principles.

The projected new railway line will impact a population of approximately 8.8 million people with many positive social and economic effects, including encouraging economic development through ease of access to goods and services, facilitate transport of raw materials and manufactured goods, and creation of employment for a wide range of personnel. In addition, the rail line and its ancillary facilities will create conditions for the growth of existing businesses and industrial facilities, internal and external trades and country integration.

On financing infrastructure, the project is arranged under a 14 years buyer credit and long-term commercial loans with the borrower and the guarantor as the Federal Ministry of Finance of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

As with all developmental projects, there are risks here and there.The overriding positive leverage are three fold namely the political will demonstrated and manifested by both Niger and Nigeria, the attested capacity of the contractor and the detailed financial, economic and environmental impact assessments already conducted.

In the spirit of big idea,some ambitious folks are already thinking of a Lagos – Kano high speed train in less than a decade time. Then Kano-Niger-Mediterranean High Speed train. Then, you can have a fast ride from Lagos coast across Northern Nigeria, up the Sahelo Sahara region to end in the meditteranean sea through Morroco/Libya/Algeria. And when you note that the King of Morroco and Spain are working to link Africa with Europe, you are then dreaming of a train ride from. Lagos to Europe.

Is it a dream? Not so really if the Chinese experience is anything to go by.

For now, breaking new ground is an interesting time in Nigerian infrastructure expansion history.

*Olawale Rasheed ,a Director of African Railway Roundtable, writes from Abuja,Nigeria.

https://railbus.com.ng/index.php/events/kano-maradi-railway-buharis-new-corridor-linking-sahelo-sahara-with-nigerian-coast/

Front Page: Lalasticlala mynd44

Its interesting to see how benin and Nigeria have been jostling for their port traffic. Benin has maintained the upper hand I've read. They're simply easier to do business with. Amaechi said Niger Republic is partnering with Nigeria but this article contradicts that. Niger also has proposed rail with Benin Republic.

Niger wants to ramp up its exports in general. Nigeria must also focus on making port efficient. The rail line world certainly make it easier to export goods like uranium. Gold and agro products. They wont bother using rail for oil since they're planning to build pipelines with Benin. Lol they're not dumb enough to trust Nigeria with that.

Ps: Niger Republic 2017 exports.

I hope the company handling the project is gemuine and credible unlike P&ID

The eastern corridor of the Nigerian railway needs to be completed and operational before wasting resources connecting Buhari's ancestral home land in the Sahara desert to Nigeria.
Another evidence of nepotism!

Misplaced priorities

kayusely70:
I hope the company handling the project is genuine and credible unlike P&ID

Why are you hoping. Just look up the Mota-Engil and come to your own conclusion. I think they're credible just looking up their previous work and their finances on Wikipedia.

Nonsense! !!!!!! all I care is Happy new month to all good and reasonable people of Nairaland excluding the ZOMBIES and Moderators of forum ...... I don't give a damn about independent day

Sahelo-Sahara region and Nigerian southern coast through the construction of the Kano – Maradi railway corridor between Nigeria and Niger republics.

hahahahahaha!


How did we get here again?


He seems more keen on Niger Republic than Nigeria.

letusbepieces:

hahahahahaha!


How did we get here again?


He seems more keen on Niger Republic than Nigeria.

Soon, someone will come to shout "unity, unity, and unity "
What's the unity in neglecting south eastern part of Nigeria, diverting all revenues derived from the area into building a railway and developing the empty Sahara

eagleu:


Soon, someone will come to shout "unity, unity, and unity "
What's the unity in neglecting south eastern part of Nigeria, diverting all revenues derived from the area into building a railway and developing the empty Sahara

My brother, forget logic, sense or reason, i learnt it dont count in Nigeria.

All they care about is Buhari will hand power to us.

Until then! No problem!

Jeez!

Why is creating a rail link between Nigeria and Niger more important than creating one between Nigeria and Cameroun or Nigeria and Benin? Anyone?

A mad man is building a railline from Nigeria to his ancestral home and somebody is calling it an economic corridor ...Nonsense that rail line is a waste of resources that will only worsen insecurity

IGBOSON1:
Jeez!

Why is creating a rail link between Nigeria and Niger more important than creating one between Nigeria and Cameroun or Nigeria and Benin? Anyone?

They're after that port traffric from landlocked neighbor. It puts Lekki at an advantage compared to other ports in Nigeria and the region. The Ibom deep seaport doesn't have North South railway planned yet. Most people commenting conveniently forget Nigeria planned to have rail link back in 2013 with Niger Republic. Benin wants a rail with them for the same reason.

with this , it will be easy for those illegal alimajeris immigrants to flood Nigeria during election to vote northern candidate, Niger republic governor came for rally in kano after all, this will make it easier, the only way out is for every state in Nigeria to coordinate its economy, employment as done in the US and Canada, if we want to copy Western democracy, let's do it well before these people over run us with their illegal immigrants massive population during election.

Lmao
What did I read? Opening Nigeria up to new economic possibilities by linking Nigeria and Niger? What economic possibilities have Niger got to offer?

The only possibilities this corridor will bring is new terror tactics and smuggling route.

The north and its low IQ leaders have always been our undoing.

Most people call the 1970s as Nigeria's best decade. You know why? Because it is the only decade an abokìs was not in power for up to 2 years.

Another good era for Nigeria was 1999 to 2015.
Now the abokìs are back again. With their poorly thought out policies

na wa oo, development everywhere, this buhari sef, changing the face of nigeria within 4yrs and idiotic pigs are not happy about It

buhariguy:
na wa oo, development everywhere, this buhari sef, changing the face of nigeria within 4yrs and idiotic pigs are not happy about It

They're always an interesting bunch. The uninformed opinions are a fun read. Im guessing they forgot you're search before International travel and you must have travel documents. They smuggling and terrorism threats are mitigated that way. Can they answer why Benin wants a rail commection with Niger Republic?

They're acting like Niger Republic spawned boko haram. They already know it's a Nigerian creation and phenomenon that spread through the region. Lol you could argue they're in danger bringing in Nigerians. They're right about them potentially over staying ECOWAS stays. NIS will have to be on guard.

Unnecessary...we can use that money to fix Badagry road and so many horrible roads withing the country. Connect Nigerians first before connecting us to the Sahara sir

More shekaus will flood Nigeria and our economy will be the bomb

eagleu:
The eastern corridor of the Nigerian railway needs to be completed and operational before wasting resources connecting Buhari's ancestral home land in the Sahara desert to Nigeria.
Another evidence of nepotism!

You took the words out of my mouth.

This is why the north are conspiring to retain power beyond 2023 because due to the emerging uncertainty surrounding Nigeria's unity presently, they are planning to hold onto power to continue developing there zones while throwing crumbs at the better south and they don't care about the consequences.

Bouncingbabyboy:
More shekaus will flood Nigeria and our economy will be the bomb

I swear! This move is just giving legitimacy to the meddlesome Niger republic. I wonder when they are going to link Cameron to the SE by rail and link Benin republic with SW by rail.

On financing infrastructure, the project is arranged under a 14 years buyer credit and long-term commercial loans with the borrower and the guarantor as the Federal Ministry of Finance of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Niger Republic should be asked to put money down if they're not already. The rail is mutually beneficial and they're willing to invest in Benin rail link. Nigeria should also collect ticket abd cargo revenue on the side they dont. There's no reason to be too magnanimous.

Blue3k:


They're always an interesting bunch. The uninformed opinions are a fun read. Im guessing they forgot you're search before International travel and you must have travel documents. They snuggling and terrorism threats are mitigated that way. Can they answer why Benin wants a rail commection with Niger Republic?

They're acting like Niger Republic spawned boko haram. They already know it's a Nigerian creation and phenomenon that spread through the region. Lol you could argue they're in danger bringing in Nigerians. They're right about them potentially over staying ECOWAS stays. NIS will have to be on guard.

Small small your agenda here is being exposed .pretending to be non partisan in a bid to drive sectarianist agenda here .

FarahAideed:


Small small your agenda here is being exposed .pretending to be non partisan in a bid to drive sectarianist agenda here .

You're still crying? Why don't you tell me what you disagree with. I think the project is good based on the factors I mentioned all over thread. All you've been able to do is whine platitudes..

Blue3k:


Niger Republic should be asked to put money down if they're not already. The rail is mutually beneficial and they're willing to invest in Benin rail link. Nigeria should also collect ticket abd cargo revenue on the side they dont. There's no reason to be too magnanimous.

I doubt Niger can afford it.

Actually, at that price they should

It's been all about North since Buhari came to power.
I've never seen or heard about nepotism/tribalism taken this far since 1960.

grandstar:


I doubt Niger can afford it.

Actually, at that price they should

Yeah they should these guys have a contract with the Bolloré for around the same price. Benin was ready to side them for Chinese investors claiming the cost is 4 billion dollars suddenly. These African leaders are funny set of humans.

French firm Bollore will cover the entire 1.07 billion euro cost of building the rail link, according to the terms of the deal.

Bollore will own a 40 percent stake in the operator BENI Rail, in which the two countries will each own 10 percent. The remaining stake will be owned by private investors from Niger and Benin.

TheAfricaReport

In an interview last month, the Benin leader put the cost of the railway megaproject at $4 billion and said China had the "necessary financial means... and technical knowhow" to pull it off.

[url=https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjoyoCTp_zkAhVBKa0KHUIVDA4QzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbenin-niger-back-chinese-involvement-mega-rail-project-141453548.html&psig=AOvVaw1EGui2tXDRnAB5lHZg-1Jo&ust=1570062074358095]Yahoo News[/url]

Signing contracts here and there without execute any, I prayed another PnID is not making to sunk.

Anyway, linking Nigeria rails with a neighbors is a good development but will sud fix our own weeping infrastructures first.

Blue3k:


Yeah they should these guys have a contract with the Bolloré for around the same price. Benin was ready to side them for Chinese investors claiming the cost is 4 billion dollars suddenly. These African leaders are funny set of humans.

It shows that the Chinese have been gouging Africans. However, French firms have first refusal for contracts from CFA countries.

The price the French quote is so low that it can't simply be argued away as trying to steal business from the Chinese. I'm sure the Chinese contract price is inflated to cover default and also they probably expected no competition.

grandstar:


It shows that the Chinese have been gouging Africans. However, French firms have first refusal for contracts from CFA countries.

The price the French quote is so low that it can't simply be argued away as trying to steal business from the Chinese. I'm sure the Chinese contract price is inflated to cover default and also they probably expected no competition.

That makes sense. The only reason Niger refused chinese firms is because Bolloré would have to be compansated anyway. With all the nonsense happening with this project on their end Im guessing Nigeria is in better position to get project done.

All Nigeria has to do Lekki port efficient to take business from Benin. The mouthbreathers will eventually catch on and demand North south rail lines. They'll cry Lagos given unfair advantage again.

Bolloré is actually preferred bidder of Ibom deep seaport. They're working with chinese. It's always the same groups.

Updates: Monta Engil plans to start work in 2021 and will take 3-4 years to complete according to SWERIG event article. The company currently sourcing for Swedish export credit financing.

In other news Benin and Niger Republic will get arbitration ruling 2020. Apparently Benin and Niger Republic have been wanting a rail connection since 1999. We'll see how that plays out in a few months.

PS: Can anyone who disageess with this project explain why Benin and Niger have been seeking to build rail connections for 2 decades?

The only issue is whether Niger Republic is paying for the rail. The government seems to be lying about building into the country. The government lying is is nothing new.

Updates:

• The rail line which is expected to connect Nigerian 3 states and terminate in Maradi, Niger Republic, will financially empower Nigeria as the import/export hub for Niger.

• The FOI response also stated that FMoT, the federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and Mota-Engil Africa are negotiating the Contract Agreements and financing at the moment.

On budgetary allocation for the rail project, the Ministry claimed in its response that the project is to be 100% funded by Messrs Mota-Engil Africa under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+ F) model through combination of lenders from Export Credit Agencies (ECA) and commercial facilities backed by a sovereign guarantee.

• They confirmed that the track length of the rail is 378km starting from Kano – Danbatta – Kazana – Daura – Meshi – Kastina – Jibiya – Maradi (Niger Republic) with branch line to Dutse in Jigawa State. It also confirmed that only 20km of the track length is within Niger Republic while 358km is within Nigeria.