NRC Boss Says Nigeria’s Rail Sector Expanding Rapidly Despite Derailments

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, has defended the state of Nigeria’s railway system, saying the sector is developing rapidly despite occasional operational challenges such as derailments.

Opeifa made the remarks during an interview on Arise News, where he discussed the ongoing reforms and long-term roadmap for the country’s railway network. According to him, rail transportation remains a critical driver of economic growth because it helps facilitate trade, improve logistics, and connect people to employment opportunities.

He explained that the core responsibility of the railway system is to link farmers to markets, manufacturers to consumers, and businesses to efficient transport corridors. In his view, a functional rail system plays a key role in reducing poverty, strengthening supply chains, and boosting industrial productivity across the country.

Addressing concerns about train derailments in Nigeria, the NRC boss said such incidents are common in rail operations worldwide and should not automatically be interpreted as signs of failure. He cited examples from other countries where derailments occurred within the same period Nigeria experienced similar incidents.

According to Opeifa, derailments can happen for several reasons, including weather conditions, signal glitches, human error, aging infrastructure, or mechanical faults. While acknowledging that such accidents are undesirable, he maintained that they are part of operational realities in railway systems globally.

He noted that Nigeria recorded three major derailments in 2025. One occurred on August 26 in Asham, Kaduna State, while two others happened on the Warri–Itakpe Railway corridor — first at Abraka on November 1 and later at Agbor on November 8.

Despite the incidents, Opeifa emphasized that the railway corporation responded swiftly and restored services within a short period. According to him, one derailment was resolved within 24 hours, while the other two required about 21 and 28 days respectively to fully restore operations.

He also highlighted that Nigeria was fortunate that none of the recent derailments resulted in fatalities, unlike similar accidents recorded in countries such as Egypt, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Speaking on allegations of financial mismanagement within the railway corporation, the NRC boss declined to comment extensively, noting that some matters are already before the courts. He insisted that such issues should be handled by the appropriate legal authorities and challenged critics to provide evidence if they have proof of wrongdoing.

Opeifa said his primary focus as managing director is to reposition the railway corporation and bring its operations closer to international standards. He added that Nigerian engineers and technicians have successfully rehabilitated damaged locomotives and coaches, demonstrating the country’s growing technical capacity in railway maintenance.

As part of the government’s broader railway development plan, the NRC is working toward expanding services and connecting major cities across Nigeria through a nationwide rail network. Opeifa said existing lines such as the Lagos–Ibadan Railway and the Abuja–Kaduna Railway are already operational and continue to play important roles in passenger transportation.

He revealed that the Abuja–Kaduna corridor is expected to increase daily trips from two to three, reflecting growing demand for rail travel in the country.

Looking ahead, the NRC plans to extend rail connections from Lekki Deep Sea Port to cities such as Benin City, Onitsha, and Aba, enabling both cargo and passenger movement. There are also plans to link the Warri–Itakpe line to the Abuja, which would connect parts of the South-South directly to the nation’s capital.

Opeifa added that modernization efforts are underway, including the adoption of better signaling technology and the gradual transition from narrow gauge rail lines to more efficient standard-gauge systems. New metro rail projects are also being planned in cities like Lagos, Kaduna, and Kano to improve urban transportation.

He acknowledged that railway expansion remains capital-intensive and depends heavily on funding, but maintained that the federal government remains committed to completing ongoing projects in phases.

According to him, the long-term vision is to build a fully integrated rail system capable of connecting every major city in Nigeria, strengthening the country’s transportation infrastructure and supporting economic development.