The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has declared that the era of "down times" for Nigeria’s rail system is officially over, reports ITREALMS.
Reflecting on the history of the sector, Dr. Opeifa admitted that failing to transition to standard gauge rail lines earlier was a significant historical misstep. However, he emphasized that the current administration has corrected this course. Since 2015, nearly 1,000 kilometers of rail lines have been constructed, backed by billions of dollars in investment.
The NRC's primary mission, he said, is now the total connectivity of Nigeria’s economic hubs, stressing "All our ports will be connected by rail" noting that freight services, not passenger trips, are the engine of rail revenue.
One of the most significant legal shifts Opeifa highlighted was the removal of railway from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.
This legislative change, he said, has dismantled the federal monopoly, paving the way for sub-national partnership, hence NRC is actively collaborating with Lagos, Kano, and Plateau States.
The removal of operational obstructions since 2023, he said, has triggered a surge in private sector interest, while discussions are underway with regional development commissions to expand local rail footprints.
The MD provided a status report on key ongoing projects, revealing that on the Eastern flank, Port-Harcourt line is already linked to Aba, with construction pushing toward Enugu, and eventually Maiduguri.
Onne and Port-Harcourt ports are being integrated into the rail network, even as new lines are planned to connect Lekki, Benin, and Onitsha. Whereas a larger master plan exists to eventually link all state capitals by rail.
In a win for commuters, Dr. Opeifa announced that the Abuja-Kaduna route resumes its weekend trips today, March 6, 2026, overcoming previous limitations.
The removal of operational obstructions since 2023, he said, has triggered a surge in private sector interest, while discussions are underway with regional development commissions to expand local rail footprints.
The MD provided a status report on key ongoing projects, revealing that on the Eastern flank, Port-Harcourt line is already linked to Aba, with construction pushing toward Enugu, and eventually Maiduguri.
Onne and Port-Harcourt ports are being integrated into the rail network, even as new lines are planned to connect Lekki, Benin, and Onitsha. Whereas a larger master plan exists to eventually link all state capitals by rail.
In a win for commuters, Dr. Opeifa announced that the Abuja-Kaduna route resumes its weekend trips today, March 6, 2026, overcoming previous limitations.
He also lauded the Corporation's engineers for successfully repairing Loco 2701, which had been sidelined following an accident.
Addressing security concerns, the MD assured the public that rail remains the safest mode of transport in Nigeria.
Addressing security concerns, the MD assured the public that rail remains the safest mode of transport in Nigeria.
He revealed that modern signaling technology and electronic monitoring systems are being introduced, supported by armed security personnel on the ground and onboard.
To combat vandalism, the NRC is restoring lines and engaging local communities along rail corridors to protect national assets.
Dr. Opeifa struck a firm tone on fiscal responsibility, stating that the NRC is ready to "account for every kobo" invested by the government. While he refrained from discussing specific court cases to avoid being subjudice, he confirmed full cooperation with anti-graft agencies.
"We are concentrating on making sure Nigerians benefit from every kobo invested," he concluded.
Remmy Nweke/DoP
Dr. Opeifa struck a firm tone on fiscal responsibility, stating that the NRC is ready to "account for every kobo" invested by the government. While he refrained from discussing specific court cases to avoid being subjudice, he confirmed full cooperation with anti-graft agencies.
"We are concentrating on making sure Nigerians benefit from every kobo invested," he concluded.
Remmy Nweke/DoP
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