The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced plans to electrify major rail corridors across the country within the next five years, beginning with strategic routes in Lagos and Warri as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s railway system.
Managing Director of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, said the two cities were selected as the starting points for the electrification programme due to the availability of gas resources capable of supporting power generation for electric rail operations.
According to him, transitioning from diesel-powered trains to electric rail systems will improve operational efficiency, reduce long-term costs, and align Nigeria’s railway development with global best practices.
Opeifa also reassured passengers of enhanced safety along the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, explaining that train movements and station activities on the corridor are currently monitored from a central control room.
He noted that the corporation plans to replicate similar monitoring and surveillance systems across other rail corridors nationwide to strengthen rail security.
In response to rising passenger demand, the NRC boss announced that daily trips on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service have been increased to three.
Addressing concerns about ticket racketeering on the route, Opeifa acknowledged that the issue largely stems from demand exceeding the available seating capacity.
However, he said stricter verification procedures have been introduced to curb illegal ticket sales.
“Passengers are now subjected to double verification—first at the waiting area and again during boarding—which has significantly reduced cases of ticket racketeering,” he explained.
Opeifa also called for stronger collaboration between state governments and the Railway Police to enhance the protection of rail infrastructure across the country.
He noted that the Railway Police currently operate in 26 states and urged state governments to incorporate the unit into their broader security architecture by providing the necessary support and partnership.
According to him, railway infrastructure remains a critical national asset whose protection is closely tied to the safety of the country’s transportation corridors.
Drawing from his experience as a former Lagos State commissioner, Opeifa recalled how the Railway Police supported the state government during the cleanup of the Oshodi area, describing the intervention as an example of effective inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding public infrastructure.
He also reflected on the evolution of Nigeria’s modern rail system, noting that a major overhaul began in 2015 with the introduction of standard gauge rail lines.
Opeifa credited the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari with delivering key projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, the Warri–Itakpe Railway, the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, and the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, while also initiating the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail corridor.
He further highlighted the constitutional amendment that moved railway from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, allowing state governments such as Lagos, Kano, Ogun, and Plateau to participate more actively in rail development.
The NRC managing director said his priority is to position the corporation as a major driver of national integration and economic growth while ensuring that Nigeria’s railway system meets international standards.
“Railway is an enabler of growth,” he said, noting that government investments in rail infrastructure across key economic hubs are aimed at boosting mobility, trade, and regional connectivity.
Opeifa also disclosed that the corporation has developed a national rail map designed to integrate state rail systems with the national railway network to improve connectivity across the country.
Highlighting developments along the eastern rail corridor, he described the main railway station in Enugu as a massive facility with underground structures, recalling that the corridor once played a significant role in national revenue generation.
He added that the NRC is also exploring the tourism and entertainment potential of rail transportation as part of broader plans to expand services and improve passenger experience nationwide.
Written by Victor Okiche