FG to Launch Massive Railway Expansion, Connect More Cities Across Nigeria — NRC MD

FG to Unveil Biggest Railway Expansion Yet — NRC Boss

In what promises to be a landmark step in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, the Federal Government will soon roll out a major railway expansion project to connect more cities than ever before, according to the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa.

More Cities, More Access

Speaking during Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Opeifa revealed that new rail lines are set to link major cities, with the support of state governments and federal grants.

“States are even receiving grants from the national government to develop their rail lines… Lagos is already using track access on the Red Line,” he said.

States Already on Track

Some of the states making headway in railway projects include:

• Lagos State – actively using the Red Line rail corridor

• Kaduna State – poised to join the network soon

• Niger State – backing narrow gauge development

• Ogun State – with its own railway link

• Plateau State – introducing the Jos–Bukuru line

He noted that a flood incident in Mokwa recently disrupted plans to extend service to Minna, Ilorin, and Offa, but the initiative remains strong.

Rail Off the Exclusive List

One of the turning points, Opeifa noted, is the constitutional amendment that moved rail infrastructure from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, giving states more autonomy to build rail systems.

“Now, states can develop rail on their own and still be supported by the FG,” he added.

₦400 Billion in Federal Support

In a major boost, the current federal budget has allocated ₦400 billion to support state railway development. Opeifa confirmed that several states have already accessed the funding, making rail expansion a joint national effort.

Regional Development in Focus

The NRC MD revealed that:

• The South-West rail plan is nearly complete

• The South-East and North-East are seeing steady progress

• The FG is committed to ensuring every Nigerian city is connected

“The national government still owes a duty to every Nigerian to connect the cities,” he said.

A New Era for Nigeria’s Railways

With this new wave of development, Nigeria is entering a new era of modern transportation, improving mobility, trade, and economic integration across the country.

Stay with Gisttrend for updates on this groundbreaking railway revolution!