Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)
President Bola Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional train coaches and security equipment to expand railway capacity and strengthen protection against banditry, kidnapping and vandalism across Nigeria’s rail network.
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Funso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, disclosed the approvals during an inspection of the Kano–Maradi Railway Project. The government also plans to train Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) personnel to operate and maintain the new coaches, with the aim of improving local technical capacity and reducing dependence on foreign contractors.
Security Measures Target Railway Vulnerabilities
The approved security equipment will support surveillance and protection of railway infrastructure and passengers. Insecurity has disrupted train operations, damaged infrastructure and increased maintenance costs, making security a central challenge for expanding rail services.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has also recruited a surveillance team to patrol railway routes. The government expects the additional measures to strengthen monitoring and reduce the risk of vandalism and other attacks.
Government Pushes for More Durable Railway Infrastructure
The Ministry of Transportation has directed railway contractors to prioritise quality, durability and sustainability in project delivery. Contractors must also provide local capacity-building programmes for young Nigerian engineers before handing over railway and terminal infrastructure to the NRC.
Adebiyi said equipment and fittings should meet minimum durability standards and be easy to replace locally. He also called for improved maintenance systems and cautioned against dependence on costly, unsustainable energy solutions.
The government wants the NRC to train qualified engineers in facility operations, routine maintenance and the replacement of consumables. The programme is intended to strengthen local expertise and ensure railway assets remain operational after contractors complete their work.
Kano–Maradi Railway Project Targets Improved Connectivity
The approvals form part of wider efforts to strengthen railway transportation and improve the movement of passengers and goods. The Kano–Maradi project is among the infrastructure schemes expected to support connectivity across the region, with the government targeting commissioning in December 2026.
The project’s performance will depend not only on construction progress but also on reliable operations, effective maintenance and the security of railway corridors.
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