Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has unveiled plans for the construction of an intra-city rail network that will connect Maiduguri to its surrounding areas, marking a significant milestone as the first such project in Nigeria’s northern states.
The inaugural phase of the project will feature 12 strategically placed terminals throughout Maiduguri, designed to link vital locations such as markets, schools, public spaces, and other key economic hubs.
This initiative is expected to ease the movement of passengers and goods, providing a much-needed boost to local economic activities and opening up expanded economic corridors across the state.
Accompanied by the state’s Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, Zulum inspected the proposed rail terminals and routes alongside the implementation partner, Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC). Bamanga revealed that the project is in its early stages, with feasibility studies, environmental risk assessments, and community consultations currently underway to ensure its long-term success.
Upon completion, the rail network is set to transform transportation in Maiduguri, offering a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional modes of transit. The project will also complement other ongoing infrastructure developments, such as the 113-kilometre expansion of the Maiduguri East, West, and South ring roads.
In addition to the rail network, Zulum’s administration has rolled out electric and gas-powered taxis and buses at subsidized rates to ease the transportation burden on residents. These efforts are particularly significant following the removal of fuel subsidies, which had led to increased living costs.
This innovative rail project is a key part of Governor Zulum’s broader vision to rebuild Borno State’s infrastructure, restore peace, and promote economic growth after over a decade of devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.
