The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to electrify the country’s national rail network within the next five years, a move aimed at modernising rail transport, improving efficiency, and reducing operational costs.

The announcement was made by NRC Managing Director and CEO, Kayode Opeifa, during the seventh National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA) in Abuja. He outlined the corporation’s strategic “Vision 2‑5‑10‑20” framework, which sets ambitious targets for the sector:

2 years: Optimize existing national rail assets.

5 years: Achieve full electrification of the national rail network.

10 years: Double the country’s rail transport capacity.

20 years: Expand the network to at least 60,000 kilometers.

Opeifa emphasized that electrification will not only boost operational efficiency but also reduce the environmental footprint of rail operations, supporting Nigeria’s broader sustainability goals.

The NRC is also encouraging state participation, allowing states such as Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, and Niger to utilize existing national railway corridors at no additional cost, fostering regional integration and development.

In addition to passenger transport, NRC plans to ramp up freight services, transporting containerized cargo, cement, gypsum, soda ash, metal coils, and materials for major infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline.

While the five-year electrification target is ambitious, experts note that its success will depend on robust funding, effective project management, and coordinated efforts between federal and state authorities. If achieved, the initiative could transform Nigeria’s rail sector into a more efficient, modern, and environmentally sustainable system. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.