The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has highlighted key achievements in the corporation recorded in recent years while also detailing plans and institutional reforms designed to reposition the rail sector as a major engine of economic growth.
Opeifa, made the disclosures during an appearance on Politics Tonight’ on TVC News, while outlining an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming the nation’s rail transport system into a modern, efficient and economically strategic network capable of driving national development.
According to him, the Federal Government has invested billions of dollars in rail infrastructure over the past decade, resulting in the construction of nearly 1,000 kilometres of new railway lines since 2015.
These investments, he said, mark a turning point in the history of rail transportation in Nigeria.
“Railway development requires massive capital investment, but it is essential for national growth. The progress recorded over the last ten years has significantly changed the fortunes of the Nigerian Railway Corporation,” Opeifa stated.
Expanding the National Rail Network
One of the major priorities of the current administration, Opeifa explained, is the expansion of the national rail network to connect major economic corridors and industrial hubs across the country.
He noted that the government is pursuing a long-term strategy to link all major seaports and commercial centres by rail in order to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and reduce pressure on the nation’s road network.
“We are focusing on connecting our economic corridors. Rail remains the backbone for bulk cargo transportation worldwide, and Nigeria must fully utilise that advantage,” he said.
In the South-South and South-East regions, the rehabilitation and extension of the eastern rail corridor has begun to yield results.
Opeifa revealed that the railway line from Port Harcourt has already been reconnected to Aba and will be extended to Enugu before eventually reaching Maiduguri in the North-East.
He also disclosed that the Port Harcourt line will be linked directly to the Onne and Port Harcourt ports, strengthening cargo evacuation and boosting maritime logistics.
Beyond existing corridors, the NRC is also planning new rail connections that will link major commercial cities such as Lekki, Benin City and Onitsha, further expanding the country’s transport infrastructure.
According to Opeifa, the long-term national rail strategy envisions a network that connects all state capitals, thereby enhancing regional integration and economic mobility.
Boosting Freight Operations
A major component of the corporation’s strategy is the expansion of freight services, which the NRC boss described as the primary revenue driver for railway systems worldwide.
He explained that freight operations generate significantly more revenue than passenger services, making it essential for Nigeria to prioritise cargo movement, especially from the nation’s seaports.
“We are already witnessing increased rail cargo movement from the ports, particularly along the Lagos corridor,” Opeifa said. “Our objective is to connect all seaports by rail so that goods can move faster and more efficiently to inland markets.”
This approach, he noted, will not only improve port efficiency but also reduce traffic congestion on major highways caused by heavy-duty trucks.
Policy Reforms and Partnerships
Opeifa also pointed to recent policy reforms that are opening up new opportunities for investment and collaboration in the railway sector.
One of the most significant changes, he said, is the constitutional amendment that moved railway development from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
This shift now allows state governments and private investors to participate actively in railway development.
“Removing railway from the Exclusive List has created opportunities for sub-national governments and private sector investors to partner with the federal government,” he explained.
Already, several state governments are exploring partnerships with the NRC to develop rail infrastructure within their jurisdictions. Opeifa disclosed that discussions are currently ongoing with states such as Lagos, Kano and Plateau.
In addition, the corporation is engaging with regional development commissions to identify new areas for railway expansion and investment.
Modern Technology and Improved Safety
As part of efforts to modernise rail operations, the NRC is introducing advanced signalling and monitoring technologies to improve safety and efficiency.
Opeifa revealed that modern signalling systems will soon be deployed across the network, enabling better train control and operational reliability.
Security along rail corridors has also been strengthened through a combination of armed personnel, technological surveillance and community partnerships.
“Armed security officers are deployed both along the rail corridors and onboard our trains. We are also introducing electronic monitoring systems to enhance safety,” he said.
To further protect railway infrastructure, the corporation has begun working with security agencies and consultants to recover stolen railway materials and prevent vandalism.
Opeifa emphasised that protecting railway assets should be a collective responsibility, urging communities living along rail corridors to play an active role in safeguarding national infrastructure.
Operational Improvements
The NRC has also recorded improvements in operational performance, particularly in train punctuality and equipment maintenance.
According to Opeifa, the corporation now maintains a strong record of scheduled departure times while ensuring adequate redundancy in locomotives and equipment.
He revealed that one of the locomotives damaged during a previous accident, identified as Loco 2701 has been fully repaired by NRC engineers and returned to service.
In another development, the Abuja, Kaduna rail line will resume its weekend train services beginning March 6, after operational challenges previously limited the route to two daily trips.
“All the necessary equipment required for efficient operations is available, and our engineers are doing excellent work maintaining our assets,” he said.
Accountability and Financial Discipline
On financial management, the NRC managing director stressed the corporation’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He stated that the management has maintained strict financial discipline since he assumed office and is prepared to account for every public fund invested in railway development.
“We have been judicious with resources and we are ready to account for every kobo spent,” he said.
Opeifa confirmed that the corporation is cooperating with anti-corruption agencies on ongoing investigations but declined to comment on specific cases currently before the courts.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges facing railway development, Opeifa expressed optimism that Nigeria’s rail sector is entering a new era of growth.
He acknowledged that the country was slow to adopt standard gauge rail technology compared to other nations but insisted that current investments and reforms are placing the system on the right path.
“Our focus now is to move forward,” he said. “We have put the past behind us and are concentrating on building a railway system that Nigerians will be proud of.”
With expanded networks, stronger partnerships and modern technology on the horizon, the NRC believes the railway will once again become a central pillar of Nigeria’s transportation system and a key driver of national economic development.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT
