Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, is set to launch the construction of an intra-city rail network to connect Maiduguri and its surrounding areas.
This marks the first such project initiated by any of Nigeria’s 19 northern state governments.
The first phase will involve the construction of 12 terminals within Maiduguri, designed to link major markets, schools, public places, and other key locations.
The project, which may be expanded to include local government areas in the future, aims to enhance the movement of passengers and goods, while boosting economic activities across the state.
During an inspection of the proposed rail terminals and routes with implementation partner Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC), Borno’s Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, mentioned that feasibility studies, environmental risk assessments (ERA), and community consultations are currently underway to ensure the project’s success.
Once completed, the project is expected to ease transportation, revitalize the economy, create jobs, and transform the city’s transportation network.
Governor Zulum’s innovative intra-city rail project will provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly transport alternative.
It will also complement other ongoing transport infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the 113-kilometre Maiduguri East, West, and South ring roads, linking communities such as Auno, Molai, Polo, and Shagari.
Additionally, Zulum’s administration has introduced electric and gas-powered taxis and buses at subsidized rates to alleviate the impact of rising transportation and living costs following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The governor has also initiated various urban and rural infrastructure projects across the state.
Zulum’s commitment to infrastructure development in Borno is part of a broader strategy to restore peace and prosperity to the state, which has been deeply affected by over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency.