Nigeria is poised for an unprecedented expansion of its railway network, with new lines set to connect a multitude of cities, according to Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC). Speaking on Saturday during Channels Television's 'Sunrise Daily' program, Opeifa revealed that the federal government is on the cusp of unveiling a major railway expansion project. He emphasized that the upcoming network will reach more cities than ever before, marking a significant step in the nation's transportation development.
A key enabler of this expansion is the recent shift of rail from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, allowing state governments to independently develop their rail lines, often with support through federal grants. Opeifa highlighted that a substantial sum of N400 billion has been allocated in the current budget to assist states in these endeavors, with some already benefiting. He noted that Lagos State is utilizing track access for its Red Line, while Kaduna's railway development is imminent. Niger State is actively supporting the narrow gauge system, despite recent disruptions caused by flooding near Mokwa, which temporarily affected plans to extend rail services to Minna, Ilorin, and Offa for the recent festival.
The NRC MD also acknowledged Ogun State's existing rail link and pointed to new initiatives, including the Jos-Bukuru line in Plateau State. He clarified that this new approach aims to decentralize the burden of railway development from the national government, although the federal government remains committed to its duty of connecting cities across the country. Opeifa further elaborated that rail infrastructure development is underway across various regions, with plans for the South-West nearing completion, and significant progress being made in both the South-East and North-East.
