Transformation in Nigeria's Rail Sector

A rare feat worthy of commendation as previous administrations in Nigeria had expended huge financial resources without tangible results.

The resuscitation of the Nigerian railway would greatly ease the passenger/cargo traffic from Lagos to northern parts of the country.

“Given the heavy vehicular traffic on Nigerians roads, the resuscitation of that rail route will take the strain off the Lagos-Northern roads and this is worth commending,” Senator Uzodinma added.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Wednesday revived hopes for a cheaper means of transportation in the country as it conveyed 450 newly-recruited soldiers from Zaria to Lagos. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the passengers’ train with five coaches took off from Zaria at 1.15 p.m and was expected to arrive in Lagos at 2.15 p.m on Thursday 25hours later.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation commenced operation of mass transit on the Lagos-Kano route last week Friday. The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar inaugurated the trains and rode with Kano-bound passengers.

The Lagos-Kano mass transit train leaves from Ebute Meta and is expected make stops at major stations such as Abeokuta,Ibadan, Osogbo, Ilorin, Minna and Kaduna before it finally arrives its Kano terminal destination 25hours later.