The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expressed readiness to partner with the Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) on reviving old and unserviced rail routes across the region to improve transportation and economic connectivity.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Callistus Unyimadu, chief public relations officer of the NRC. According to the statement, Kayode Opeifa, managing director of the NRC, spoke during a meeting with the SWDC management team led by Charles Diji Akinola, the commission’s MD.
Opeifa noted that the NRC is “open for business” and enthusiastic about the SWDC’s efforts to strengthen its role in the rail transportation sector.
He praised the commission for continuing the groundwork previously laid by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) in developing a regional rail master plan.
SWDC Eyes Revival of Osogbo–Dagbolu–Erunmu Line
Speaking during the visit, Akinola highlighted that the SWDC is adopting DAWN’s infrastructural blueprint and prioritising regional rail connectivity as a catalyst for economic revitalisation across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
He said the commission has developed a rail expansion strategy structured into short-, medium-, and long-term phases.
In the short term, the SWDC is seeking the ceding of old, unused rail lines under a profit-sharing arrangement with the NRC.
Akinola revealed that the commission is particularly focused on reviving the Osogbo–Dagbolu–Erunmu corridor, noting that the Idogo axis will play a crucial role in strengthening food security.
He added that although Lagos, Oyo, and Osun already operate rail services, the SWDC intends to maximise these routes to move food items into Lagos and transport consumer goods to other southwest states.
Plans for New Rail Corridors and Investor Participation
Akinola further stated that in the medium term, the SWDC will pursue operational and track-access licences for new rail corridors while attracting private investors to operate some of the lines.
He emphasised plans to construct new spurs connecting all southwest states to the national rail network, including boosting activities at the Omi Adio and Moniya dry ports.
Akinola also called for land allocations to build warehouses needed for commercial rail operations, explaining that Osun State has already taken the lead with the Dagbolu siding.
He stressed the need for a joint technical team between the NRC and SWDC to fast-track all proposals.
Rail Sector Now Open to States, Private Players – NRC
In response, Opeifa reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to partnering with federal agencies, sub-nationals, and regional bodies in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to expand rail services nationwide.
He disclosed that other regional commissions — including the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) — have also expressed interest in reviving abandoned eastern rail routes.
Opeifa noted that Niger State is similarly pushing for the restoration of the northern section of the Lagos–Kano rail line, aligning with the SWDC’s vision to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce between the north and Lagos.
According to him, with rail transport now moved from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, state governments and private investors can freely participate in the railway sector.
He added that the NRC operates a track access programme that allows states to use national rail corridors at no extra cost, under the corporation’s “Railing with the States” initiative.
