This was a major activity that involved extensive social and economic surveys & human rights impact assessment across Kano - Jigawa- Katsina states as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment which was a requirement for the implementation of this very important infrastructure project, a 284 km standard gauge rail line connecting Kano in Nigeria with Maradi in Niger Republic, with a spur to Dutse in Jigawa State. The project is sponsored by the Nigerian Government with funding from international lenders and is being built by Mota Engil, a Portuguese construction firm.

Our Institute worked as Sub - Consultants to Allott Nigeria Ltd who are the Environmental consultants on this major trans boundary infrastructure project.

To obtain the necessary information, our team visited 51 local communities to collect baseline data on demographics, livelihoods, community facilities (like water, electricity, health facilities and schools), as well as information on the main uses of the land bordering the rail route. Interviews were conducted in 376 households, among both men and women to obtain this information, which was then supported by discussions with groups most likely to be most affected, such as pastoralists, farmers’ groups, market traders, transporters, women’s groups, youth organisations, trade unions in various sectors, and other individuals. The Report that that we produced enumerated the ways in which the railway will likely impact the lives of the inhabitants, both positively and negatively, and proposed ways that the negative effects can be mitigated so that the project will benefit the immediate inhabitants of the area and the wider society.
Our Report was well received and provided the basis for our later engagement on some phases of the RAP (Resettlement Action Plan) and our participation in the evaluation of plans for the reconstitution of livelihoods for those who have been affected by the construction of the rail line.