Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has announced that the Federal Government has successfully constructed more than 1,000 kilometers of new or refurbished rail lines over the past ten years. He highlighted this achievement during a recent working visit by the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to the NRC Headquarters in Lagos.
Opeifa noted that while Nigeria developed 3,500 kilometers of rail lines in its first 60 years post-independence, the last decade has marked a significant milestone in railway development. He emphasized the importance of the SEDC in the federal government’s plans to enhance the country’s railway infrastructure.
During the engagement, Opeifa discussed the government’s priority on rehabilitating and expanding narrow gauge railway networks, which he believes will improve mobility, lower transportation costs, and boost economic productivity. He also addressed concerns about vandalism on railway lines, asserting that the assets are still in use and not abandoned.
The NRC is committed to modernizing services across Nigeria, aligning railway development with national economic goals. The efforts aim to increase efficiency and connectivity, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s GDP growth and enhancing trade opportunities. The SEDC Managing Director reiterated the commission’s focus on fostering a conducive business environment across the five South-Eastern states.
