Nigeria's Federal Government Set to Launch National Railway Development Roadmap to Expand Connectivity Across 36 States

The Federal Government will unveil a new National Railway Development Roadmap designed to deliver nationwide rail connectivity across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to modernize Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, deepen state participation, and accelerate economic integration.

States to Access National Rail Corridors at No Additional Cost

Speaking at the Seventh National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA) in Abuja, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, said the roadmap provides each state with the framework to utilise existing national rail corridors without additional charges. He noted that the reform follows recent legislative amendments that placed railway development on the concurrent legislative list, enabling shared responsibility between federal and state governments.

According to Opeifa, Lagos and Plateau States have already begun operating services on available assets, while other states have been encouraged to adopt similar models. He added that the national network offers significant operational flexibility, with the Lagos–Kano line serving as a strategic corridor for inter-state service expansion.

Strengthening Network Integration and Freight Operations

Opeifa highlighted opportunities for improved network integration in states such as Ogun and Oyo, where both narrow- and standard-gauge lines exist. He stated that Edo, Delta, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, and Niger States can also plug seamlessly into existing federal rail assets.

He outlined the Corporation’s recent progress in freight-by-rail operations, noting increased movement of containerised goods, industrial materials such as gypsum and cement, metal coils, soda ash, and equipment for the AKK Pipeline Project. The NRC expects freight expansion to continue driving operational sustainability and supporting domestic supply chains.

NRC’s Long-Term Vision Targets Electric Traction and a 60,000km Network

Opeifa also detailed the Corporation’s long-term development plan, referred to as Vision 2-5-10-20, which will guide rail expansion over the next two decades. Under the framework, the NRC aims to optimize national rail assets within two years, transition to electric traction by the fifth year, double national rail capacity within ten years, and deliver no less than 60,000 kilometres of rail network nationwide within twenty years.

He emphasised that the plan prioritises modernisation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability, aligning with global rail development standards and Nigeria’s broader economic transformation objectives.

Outlook

The forthcoming National Railway Development Roadmap represents a significant step toward rebuilding public transport infrastructure and strengthening domestic logistics systems. Its success will depend on coordinated execution between federal and state governments, consistent funding, and accelerated adoption of modern rail technologies. As Nigeria advances toward large-scale electrification and capacity expansion, investors and stakeholders will be watching closely for implementation milestones and regulatory clarity.