A recent report by Environmental Resources Management and EnvAccord Limited, commissioned by the Africa Finance Corporation, has disclosed significant impacts of the Kano-Niger rail project.
The environmental and social due diligence assessment indicates that the project will result in the displacement of 12,695 residential homes and 2,064 additional assets along the railway corridor.
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The report outlines that approximately 19,238 individuals will be economically affected by the displacement, necessitating the resettlement of numerous communities. The railway line, spanning 393 kilometers, will traverse the Nigerian states of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina, and extend to Maradi in Niger Republic. The project includes the construction of 13 stations and various ancillary buildings to enhance transportation infrastructure between Nigeria and Niger.
The assessment highlights that the railway will pass through 122 communities in 25 Local Government Areas across Nigeria and 11 communities in three communes in Niger Republic. The report states, “The project will run through 122 communities in 25 Local Government Areas across three states in Nigeria, and 11 communities in three communes in Niger Republic.”
The report also addresses concerns about the social impact of the displacement and suggests that these effects could be mitigated with appropriate social safeguards and resettlement planning. However, it emphasizes that considerable effort is required to align compensation and resettlement practices with international standards.
A critical issue identified is the discrepancy between Nigeria’s land compensation rates and international guidelines. The report notes that compensation is based on outdated government rates and does not account for inflation or comply with the Land Use Act, leading to dissatisfaction, particularly in the Jiba Community of Sandanmu LGA, Katsina State, where compensation payments were made incorrectly.
Efforts to address these issues and ensure fair compensation and resettlement practices are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of the project on affected communities.
