₦airaland Forum

Kano to Maraɗi railway Project and the current dispensation

When the late President Muhammadu Buhari decided to embark on this project, many criticised the decision. The criticism is mostly on the line that why Niger republic? What do they have to offer? The critics have no idea that the project is part of the African Integrated High Speed Railway Network.

The African Integrated High Speed Railway Network is part of the larger project to link African states. It was approved by the African Union(AU) in 2014.

The high speed network includes 6 East to West Corridors and 3 North to South corridors. For those who are interested, you can read more on this and see how it can revolutionised life on the African continent.

Now back to Kano to Maraɗi!

In the wisdom of late President Muhammadu Buhari, issue of shared prosperity is a key concept that will help Africa developed. Meaning, you cannot be successful as a country and allow your neighbour to be in distressed. With project conclusion, both Nigeria and Niger stands to benefit considering the long term economic potential.

The railway network will be extended from Kano to Maradi in Niger which is virtually a landlocked along with Burkina Faso and Chad who currently only have road access to sea ports in Accra in Ghana, Cotonou in Benin and Lome in Togo. Indeed, this make perfect economic sense for us to allow good from Niger, Burkina Faso to Lagos ports for export.

For centuries the trans-Saharan trade route went from Maradi to Kano and was prosperous until colonialism and more recently destabilizing forces changed such fortunes. The original city of Maradi is ancient , dating back thousands of years.

Apart from gold deposits, Niger is considered to have one asset, uranium. Niger is the 4th largest uranium producer globally and has a high grade deposits. The Uranium is mined near the towns of Arlit and Akokan, 1200 km northeast of the capital, Niamey, on the western range of the Air mountains. The mined ore is transported by truck 1600 km to Parakou in Benin, from where it is transported by rail, 400 km to Cotonou Port and then exported.

Now, Niger has a lot to offer, if you think it's not that relevant today, the future will definitely tell another story especially, if we pivot to Nuclear energy which by the account of many experts is more cleaner.

Now, the current president, despite some allegation of anti north bias, has continued to ensure that the project has reach its intended climax. He has to be commended for that. In fact, the initial design of the project has been altered to cover more routes within the North West Corridors( Dutse section I think). Also, the project is now at an advanced stage of around 60% I believe.

Personally, I want to see the conclusion of these projects: Kano Maraɗi Railway project, AKK gas pipeline and Kano to Kaduna railway line.

Peace

Nigeria should find capital collaborate with Russia to build a nuclear power plant in Niger and send th power to Nigeria

Hopefully the government can do feasibility studies

aribisala0:
Nigeria should find capital collaborate with Russia to build a nuclear power plant in Niger and send th power to Nigeria

Hopefully the government can do feasibility studies

A good thought, but the political atmosphere is fluid. I think it's better we have it here in Nigeria

Mune:
A good thought, but the political atmosphere is fluid. I think it's better we have it here in Nigeria

Even Nigerias existence is fluid
Whether it is better is not a 5 minute conversation and is not a binary of good and bad
There are pros and cons

The idea is based on supply of uranium FROM NIGER

SO even if it is in Nigeria any such fluidity will affect supply of uranium

The main issue is Russia building the plant
That also is a political or geopolitical consideration

America would likely have a problem with Nigeria deepening ties with Russia and try to sabotage it or just tell our government not to do it and they will comply

Transporting Uranium across that border will bring challenges I don't think we can manage
There is Uranium in Niger they have mined it for years and a plant next to the mines makes a lot of sense
But if it can be made to work in Nigeria why not

Personally I don't see a nuclear power plant materialising in Nigeria in less than 30 years from agreement to completion. We are very slow with such things Mambilla Plateau which is non nuclear is a goid example. I don't see any electricity from there in10 years
Another thing to think about is the electricity can be used for the rail system even if not imported

I agree with you. You've understood the geopolitics very well.