Nigeria-Niger: A strategic rail corridor for economic recovery and regional integration
The railway interconnection project between Nigeria and Niger is establishing itself as a key element of Nigeria’s logistics strategy. By linking the two countries, the corridor aims to reclaim freight traffic that has been redirected to neighboring ports—particularly Cotonou, Lomé, and Tema—and to boost cross-border trade, which is currently hindered by inadequate infrastructure and persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria.
According to Nigeria’s Minister of Transport, Sa’idu Alkali, the Kano–Maradi section—the project’s cornerstone—is 61% physically completed. Meanwhile, the standard-gauge Kaduna–Kano segment is 53% complete and is expected to be delivered in 2026. These dual advancements mark a significant milestone in the national plan to modernize the railway network.
Overall, Nigeria aims to rehabilitate and develop nearly 2,800 kilometers of railway lines under a vast program launched about a decade ago. This includes converting old narrow-gauge tracks into standard-gauge railways (SGR) and creating new routes connecting strategic regions such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos, and their associated ports, industrial zones, and logistics hubs.
The project is not just about easing congestion on overstressed roadways—it also reflects a clear ambition to reposition Nigeria as the primary gateway for Niger’s imports and exports, supported by a more efficient, secure, and competitive rail network. Although Niger has historically been a major trade partner, it has increasingly redirected a significant share of its cargo flows to alternative coastal corridors due to the lack of reliable Nigerian infrastructure.
By strengthening regional integration, this corridor has the potential to reshape West Africa’s logistics landscape. If Nigeria can address the security challenges and complete the work on schedule, it stands to gain a decisive strategic edge in the race for sub-regional freight traffic.
