The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced plans to reactivate the Osogbo-Dagbolu-Erunmu and Idogo rail lines, aiming to bolster freight transport across the Southwest region.
The revival of these previously inactive lines will primarily focus on transporting agricultural produce from interior towns to Lagos markets, while facilitating the movement of consumer goods back to rural areas. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the South-West Development Commission (SWDC).
According to officials, SWDC will support local agriculture by subsidizing freight services, reducing costs for farmers, and improving access to larger markets. The collaboration will operate on a profit-sharing basis, with NRC providing the infrastructure and operational expertise.
In addition to reactivating existing lines, plans are underway to secure operational and track-access licenses for new routes, attract private-sector investment, construct warehouses along rail corridors, and build rail spurs to connect all Southwest states to the national rail network.
NRC and SWDC have begun inspecting key terminals in Lagos, including Iddo Terminal and Mobolaji Johnson Station at Ebute Metta, to assess facilities and plan upgrades. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the collaboration is in the works.
Officials say the reactivation of these rail lines is a strategic move to enhance the efficiency of the freight network, support regional economic growth, and strengthen agricultural supply chains in the Southwest. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
