Illegal Sale and Lease of Railway Properties: NRC MD Alerts Public

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has issued a strong warning to the public against the illegal sale, lease, or occupation of railway properties across the country, stressing that such transactions are unauthorised and invalid under Nigerian law.

The warning follows growing reports of individuals, land speculators, and intermediaries presenting railway lands and assets as private property for sale or long-term lease, particularly in urban centres and fast-developing corridors.

According to the NRC, all railway assets remain the exclusive property of the Federal Government, regardless of their current usage status. This includes rail corridors, stations, yards, staff quarters, workshops, and adjoining lands, even where tracks appear dormant or infrastructure is not actively in use.

No Private Authority to Sell or Lease Railway Assets

The NRC Managing Director emphasised that no individual, group, traditional authority, or government agency outside the Corporation has the legal authority to sell, allocate, or lease railway land. Any such transaction, the NRC stated, is null and void and exposes buyers and occupants to significant legal risk.

Prospective buyers and investors were urged to exercise extreme caution and conduct thorough verification before entering into property agreements involving land near rail lines or historic railway facilities.

Rising Risk in Urban Real Estate Markets

The warning is particularly relevant in cities experiencing rapid expansion, where railway corridors are increasingly surrounded by residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. As land values rise, dormant or underutilised railway property has become a target for fraudulent sales and informal leasing arrangements.

Real estate professionals note that buyers often assume unused railway land has been abandoned or transferred, a misconception the NRC says has led to financial losses, demolition orders, and prolonged legal disputes.

Enforcement and Recovery Actions

The Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to recovering encroached railway properties nationwide, warning that occupants of illegally acquired railway land may face eviction without compensation. The NRC stated that enforcement actions would continue in collaboration with relevant federal authorities to protect national assets and preserve rail infrastructure corridors.

The MD also advised state governments, developers, and planning authorities to engage directly with the NRC when designing projects near railway corridors to avoid future conflicts and compliance breaches.

Implications for Property Buyers and Developers

The NRC’s warning serves as a broader reminder to property buyers, developers, and investors to prioritise title verification, land history checks, and institutional consent, particularly when dealing with government-owned land.

As Nigeria expands its rail network and modernises transport infrastructure, railway assets are expected to play a more strategic role in urban planning, logistics, and transit-oriented development. Any unauthorised disposal of such assets, the NRC stressed, undermines national development objectives and investor confidence.