by Anthonia IFESINACHI
Nigeria has taken a bold step toward transforming its transportation system, with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) unveiling plans to accelerate nationwide railway expansion at the 2nd International Railway Conference & Exhibition 2025 in Abuja.
The conference, which brought together stakeholders from government, private sector, and international development institutions, focused on the country’s Railway Masterplan, innovative financing, and regional integration.
According to the NRC, the shift from outdated narrow-gauge tracks to standard gauge across major routes is already reducing travel times, easing road congestion, and enhancing trade. The corporation said its long-term plan is to connect major economic hubs from Lagos to Kano, Abuja to Port Harcourt, and beyond, while extending rail access to underserved regions to foster inclusive development.
Presenting a paper on “Nigeria’s Railway Masterplan: Progress and Projections,” Minister of Transportation in Nigeria Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali. noted that the NRC’s modernization programme is central to Nigeria’s goal of becoming a regional trade hub.
Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, echoed this view in his case study on the Nigerian railway system, stressing that nationwide connectivity is essential for job creation, industrial growth, and seamless movement of goods and people.
On financing, Vladislav Bystrenko, Chief Financial Officer of Mota-Engil Nigeria, outlined innovative models to attract private capital through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Panelists from the Debt Management Office, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Bureau of Public Enterprises, and international lenders, including the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the Islamic Development Bank, explored sustainable funding options for railway expansion.
Regional cooperation also featured prominently. Representatives from the Ministries of Transport in Ghana and Benin Republic, the Nigerian Shippers Council, and the Nigerian Ports Authority stressed the need for stronger cross-border rail networks to boost West African trade integration.
The NRC pledged to empower states with greater roles in rail investments, encouraging collaboration between federal and state governments and the private sector. With support from international partners, officials said Nigeria’s rail sector is positioning itself as a catalyst for economic diversification, industrialization, and regional competitiveness.
