The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring commercial train services along the Lagos-Kano narrow-gauge corridor, with operations expected to reach Offa, Kwara State, before the end of 2025.
This ambitious initiative, led by NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa, aims to revitalize rail transport, boost economic activity, and enhance connectivity across Nigeria’s southwest and northern regions.
Dr. Opeifa announced the restoration plan during a meeting with the Lagos State chapter of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU), as reported by Voice of Nigeria.
He emphasized that NRC engineers are working tirelessly to repair damaged tracks, with service reactivation targeted to reach Offa, Ilorin, Mokwa, Kaduna, and ultimately Kano by December 2025.
“Despite setbacks like washouts along the corridor, we are committed to restoring this vital route to facilitate passenger and cargo movement,” Opeifa stated.
The Lagos-Kano route, part of Nigeria’s 3,505-kilometer narrow-gauge network, has been a critical artery for trade and travel but has faced challenges due to vandalism and aging infrastructure.
The NRC’s efforts include partnerships with state governments in Niger, Kano, and Kaduna to restore shuttle services on the Minna-Kaduna and Kaduna-Kano routes, as well as collaborations to combat vandalism.
Opeifa highlighted the exemplary role of Offa residents in safeguarding railway assets, urging other communities to follow suit.
In a related development, the NRC has signed Memoranda of Understanding with five tertiary institutions, including Yaba College of Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, and Federal Polytechnic Offa, to enhance local expertise in railway technology.
These partnerships aim to train a new generation of professionals in locomotive engineering and rail logistics, reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
“This collaboration will build skilled manpower to sustain our railway operations,” Opeifa noted.
The restoration project is expected to boost economic activities by improving access to markets and reducing transportation costs for goods and passengers.
Dr. Osita Chukwu, National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition, praised the initiative, stating, “A dependable rail system linking Lagos to Kano will unlock trade corridors and cut transit times significantly.”
Despite the optimism, challenges remain, including persistent vandalism and unresolved staff welfare issues.
The National Union of Railway Workers in Zaria raised concerns about unpaid promotion arrears and career stagnation, urging the NRC to address these alongside route reactivation.
As the NRC intensifies efforts to restore the Lagos-Kano corridor, Nigerians are hopeful that the revived route will enhance regional integration and drive economic growth, positioning rail transport as a reliable alternative to road travel.
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