Nigerian Railway Corp Sets Ambitious Expansion Plans to Revitalize Rail Transport
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has shifted gears from recovery mode to growth, with Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa declaring the organization “ready to fly” as it embarks on a bold journey to expand its network, invite private investments, and adopt environmentally sustainable fuel solutions. These moves are expected to transform rail transport in Nigeria and position the sector as a key driver of the nation’s economy.
Central to NRC’s vision is an ambitious roadmap to expand Nigeria’s rail network from its current 4,000 km to 10,000 km within five years, with a long-term goal of reaching 20,000 km over the next two decades. This plan includes the completion of the much-anticipated Lagos–Kano standard gauge line and the modernization of the 1,443 km Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway, connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. Additionally, the corporation aims to link Ajaokuta to Abuja with a new standard gauge extension, enhancing connectivity across key regions of the country.
To achieve these goals, NRC is undertaking an extensive rehabilitation of locomotives and rolling stock. This “aggressive” approach aims to improve operational efficiency and reliability while adopting cleaner energy solutions. A groundbreaking step in this direction is the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel source for trains. According to Opeifa, this shift aligns with Nigeria’s gas expansion agenda, promising significant reductions in operating costs and emissions while enhancing energy security for rail operations.
“We have successfully completed an LNG proof of concept and demonstrated its viability over a one-month period,” Opeifa explained. “Once gas systems are deployed to the Lagos–Ibadan and Warri–Itakpe corridors, where gas is readily available, and regulatory issues are resolved, we will generate electricity from gas to power our trains.”
Beyond technical upgrades, NRC’s vision depends heavily on private sector participation. Acknowledging the financial constraints of government funding, Opeifa emphasized the need for partnerships and investments to support the scale of development required. “Our doors are open to the private sector for concessioning and other collaborations,” he said, noting that the federal government is prepared to offer sovereign guarantees for railway investments, a globally recognized practice to attract private capital.
Opeifa also highlighted NRC’s ongoing collaboration with state governments, including Lagos, Zamfara, Plateau, Niger, and Ogun states, to optimize the use of rail infrastructure. This cooperation, coupled with private sector involvement, is already yielding results. The managing director revealed that 28 logistics companies, including CCEC Nigeria Ltd, have acquired licenses to operate on NRC tracks. These companies will facilitate the movement of goods from critical hubs such as Apapa Port to destinations including Oyingbo, Papalanto, Kajola, Omi Adio, Moniya, and Osogbo.
“If you have the resources to bring locomotives and rolling stock, we will grant you access to our tracks at no extra charge because we understand the economic benefits that come with increased rail activity,” Opeifa stated. This strategy is expected to boost investor confidence in the sector while stimulating trade and industrial growth across the country.
Opeifa also acknowledged the challenges NRC faces, including vandalism, washouts, and the urgent need for digitalization. However, he remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing that the combination of government support and private sector investment can overcome these obstacles. He noted that NRC has already become a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy, ranking among the top 10 contributors to the nation’s gross domestic product as of 2025.
For African tourism and logistics stakeholders, this transformative vision for Nigeria’s rail sector presents exciting new opportunities. Enhanced rail connectivity could simplify the transportation of goods across the region, reduce travel times, and lower costs, making Nigeria a more attractive hub for both domestic and international business. Moreover, the adoption of cleaner fuel solutions such as LNG sets a notable example for countries across Africa seeking to modernize transportation infrastructure sustainably.
As NRC pushes forward with its expansion and modernization plans, the corporation is poised to redefine the role of rail transport in Nigeria. This ambitious agenda not only aims to unlock the economic potential of rail but also offers a blueprint for how public and private collaboration can drive significant infrastructure transformation in Africa.
