H

THE PROJECT HERALD
The Intelligence Ledger of
Projects, Capital, Companies and Policy

Kaduna–Kano–Maradi Standard Gauge Railway

Country
Nigeria
Sector
Transport & Logistics
Intelligence Type
Project
Status / Stage
Under Construction
Estimated Value
USD Billion (approx., combined sections) 2
Confidence
Reported

The Kaduna–Kano section (203km) was reported 68% complete as of May 2026, with delivery targeted for December 2026. The full line extending to Kano–Maradi (296km, crossing into Niger Republic) is targeted for completion by December 2027 under Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure programme.

Project Details

Project TypeStandard-gauge railway (passenger & freight)
Project OwnerFederal Government of Nigeria
Project SponsorFederal Ministry of Transportation
Main ContractorChina Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)
Other ContractorsMota-Engil (Portugal)
Start Date2021
Expected CompletionKaduna–Kano section: Dec 2026; full line to Maradi: Dec 2027
Current PhaseConstruction
Funding StatusPartial

Key Issues / Risks

Construction on the Niger Republic side of the corridor has reportedly stalled amid the regional security crisis, even as the Nigerian side (Kaduna–Kano) progresses; financing is a blend of roughly 15% Nigerian government contribution and 85% concessional loans from China Exim Bank, IFC and AfDB.

Stakeholder Intelligence

Key Organizations / Companies InvolvedFederal Ministry of Transportation; China Exim Bank; International Finance Corporation (IFC); African Development Bank (AfDB); Niger Republic Ministry of Transport

Analyst Notes

Not currently tracked in the Project Intelligence database as of Aug 2026 despite being one of Nigeria's largest active rail builds. Recommend adding companion Capital and Corporate records (templates included in this batch) and linking all three via Relationships once published.

Source & Verification Trail

Last VerifiedAugust 2026
Source(s)PRNigeria (3 May 2026); Travel And Tour World (20 May 2026); Pravda Nigeria (3 May 2026); Railway Technology
Source DateMay 2026