The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a comprehensive five-year reform plan aimed at transforming the nation’s rail infrastructure to global standards. With an estimated allocation of N41.49 billion ($90 million) in the proposed 2025 budget, the plan seeks to modernize existing rail lines, expand new routes, and enhance security.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “In the next five years, a lot of things will change in this country, and soon, Nigerians will be able to even enjoy a new generation rail system.” He emphasized that the reforms align with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes transportation infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth.
However, Opeifa acknowledged the slow progress of Nigeria’s rail sector, highlighting that while 3,500 kilometers of tracks were built over 60 years, expansion stalled for another six decades. The new plan seeks to reverse this trend with accelerated execution and prioritized investments. “We shall be able to operate all modes of modern rail systems comparable to anywhere in the world,” he assured.
Investing in the Future of Nigeria’s Railways
The proposed budget also includes N146.14 billion for the Lagos Green Line Metro Rail Project, a 68-kilometer network designed to connect the Lekki Free Zone to Marina. Additional funding has been earmarked for completing the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail lines, rehabilitating the Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail, and procuring rolling stock and security upgrades.
READ MORE: MTN Recovers ₦32 Billion in USSD Debt, but Banks Still Owe ₦42 Billion
Opeifa praised the success of Lagos State’s Red and Blue Line projects, particularly the Blue Line, which has operated on electric power for two years. He described it as evidence that large-scale rail transformation is possible in Nigeria. “Lagos has shown that a modern rail system is not a dream but a reality that can be replicated nationwide,” he added.
In a bid to address freight and urban transit challenges, the NRC plans to focus on freight movement and collaborate with state governments for intra-city rail services. The corporation’s long-term vision is to establish round-the-clock rail operations across all states to reduce road traffic, boost economic growth, and provide a safer, faster means of transport.
Overcoming Decades of Neglect
The rail sector reforms come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with an outdated rail network and heavy road congestion. The sector generated N1.42 billion by moving 675,293 passengers in the first quarter of 2024, signaling a growing demand for rail services.
The renewed focus on rail infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s transportation systems. The NRC’s ambitious plans, combined with substantial budget allocations, have raised expectations for a long-overdue rail revolution. As Opeifa put it, “This administration is committed to reversing decades of stagnation in the rail sector through strategic investments and transparent management.”
If successfully executed, the reforms could reshape Nigeria’s transportation landscape, making the dream of a world-class rail system a reality for millions of Nigerians.
