The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, has emphasised that the Kano–Maradi Railway project plays a crucial role in enhancing food security across Nigeria.
Speaking on Sunrise on Channels Television on Saturday, Opeifa highlighted the strategic importance of the railway link between Nigeria and the Niger Republic. He explained that mobility remains central to the food supply chain, and without it, food security cannot be achieved.
He said, “The African Union’s Agenda 2063 encourages African nations to establish connections with landlocked countries due to their untapped potential. From my readings, Maradi plays a vital role in the food security of Nigeria and West Africa, particularly in terms of cereal and livestock. This justifies the need to link Kano with Maradi.”
He added, “If you remove mobility from logistics and the supply chain, food security becomes unattainable. Nigerian policymakers must grasp this reality. Mobility lies at the heart of food security, and that’s precisely what the Kano–Maradi railway represents. It’s part of a broader route connecting Kano to Kaduna, then to Abuja, and onwards to Lagos.”
Opeifa further noted that the Nigerian Government remains committed to connecting major cities through a newly designed railway infrastructure plan.
He revealed that the government intends to introduce additional railway lines across urban centres, and that the recent move of railway matters to the concurrent legislative list has enabled state governments to seek grants and develop their own rail systems.
“The government has embarked on a new railway infrastructure map aimed at connecting major cities,” he said.
Opeifa also mentioned that local communities are actively involved in safeguarding railway infrastructure.
He remarked, “The government is vigorously pursuing the Kano–Maradi line. Many people misunderstand its significance; they only focus on the word ‘Maradi’ without recognising the broader implications.”