NRC plans electric trains as part of Nigeria’s rail modernisation drive

2026-03-08 - 17:27

By Theodore Opara The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) plans to introduce electric-powered trains on major rail corridors as part of efforts to modernise the country’s railway system and boost operational efficiency. Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa said electrification will start with the Warri and Lagos corridors, where gas resources can support reliable power for train operations. He noted that electric rail transport would reduce operating costs, improve service efficiency, and align Nigeria’s railway system with global standards. The electrification initiative is part of a broader rail modernisation programme that began in 2015, which replaced ageing narrow-gauge tracks with modern standard-gauge rail lines. Major projects completed include the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, Warri–Itakpe Railway, Lagos–Ibadan Railway, and the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system. Construction has also begun on the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor, linking southern and northern Nigeria. Opeifa stressed the importance of protecting rail assets and called on state governments to collaborate with the Railway Police, which currently operates in 26 states, to ensure the security of mobility corridors. He highlighted inter-agency successes, such as the Railway Police’s support during the Oshodi transport hub clean-up in Lagos. He also cited constitutional reforms moving rail from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, allowing states to participate in rail development. Lagos, Kano, Ogun, and Plateau States are already developing projects that could integrate with federal corridors. The NRC has created a national rail map to coordinate these initiatives. On operational matters, Opeifa addressed ticket racketeering, explaining that a double verification system—at the waiting area and during boarding—has been introduced on busy routes. He assured passengers that security monitoring remains strong, particularly on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, where daily trips have increased to three to meet rising demand. Looking ahead, the NRC plans to leverage rail services for tourism and entertainment while expanding operations to strengthen national integration and support economic growth.