The Future of Nigeria’s Railways: Revival or Another Missed Opportunity?

Nigeria’s railway system has long been considered a critical yet underutilized part of the country’s transport infrastructure. After decades of neglect, recent years have seen renewed government interest in reviving rail networks to boost trade, ease road congestion, and promote regional integration. However, whether this revival will lead to sustained progress or stall once again remains uncertain.

The Nigerian government launched several ambitious projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway, the Lagos-Ibadan line, and plans for the coastal rail corridor. These projects aim to modernize rail transport with faster trains, safer tracks, and improved passenger and freight services. The Abuja-Kaduna line, operational since 2016, is often cited as a success story with thousands of daily commuters benefiting from a reliable alternative to road travel.

Despite these gains, major challenges persist. Funding remains the biggest hurdle. Rail infrastructure is capital-intensive, and while Nigeria has secured loans and partnerships with countries like China, delays in disbursement and budgetary constraints have slowed progress on key lines. For example, the Lagos-Calabar coastal railway, envisioned to connect multiple states and ports, has seen slow construction, and some sections remain incomplete years after contracts were awarded.

Technical and operational issues also affect the system. Maintenance of existing lines is inadequate, leading to safety concerns and service interruptions. There is a shortage of skilled personnel for railway operations and management, partly due to years of neglect and brain drain. Furthermore, integration between rail and other transport modes such as ports and roads is weak, reducing the efficiency of logistics chains.

Public perception and usage of railways vary. While urban commuters have embraced certain routes for convenience and affordability, freight transport remains dominated by road haulage. The informal nature of many supply chains and reluctance by private sector players to shift to rail limits its economic impact. Without competitive pricing, reliability, and service quality, rail is unlikely to attract the volume needed to be sustainable.

The environmental benefits of rail transport, such as lower emissions and reduced road wear, are widely recognized but rarely factored into policy decisions. Investment in rail could also spur economic development along corridors, promoting industrial zones, agriculture markets, and tourism. However, this requires coordinated urban planning and private sector participation.

Several stakeholders have called for clearer policy frameworks, improved transparency in project execution, and stronger regulatory oversight. There is also a need for long-term planning that goes beyond election cycles to ensure continuity. The involvement of regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in rail integration could enhance cross-border trade.

In summary, Nigeria’s rail sector stands at a crossroads. While the potential for revival is real, much depends on consistent funding, technical capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration. If these are addressed, railways can become a backbone of Nigeria’s transport system, reducing congestion, lowering costs, and boosting economic growth. Without them, the sector risks stagnation, and the country will continue to bear the social and economic costs of over-reliance on roads.