FG to Link Major Cities with Rail in Ambitious Development Drive

The Federal Government is poised to unveil an ambitious railway initiative aimed at linking numerous cities throughout the nation.

Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), revealed that the federal government will soon disclose a comprehensive railway expansion scheme, featuring new lines that will interconnect a multitude of cities across the country.

During his appearance on ‘Sunrise Daily,’ a programme broadcast on Channels Television, Opeifa stated on Saturday that the forthcoming railway lines will extend to more cities “than we have ever witnessed.”

“States are even receiving grants from the national government to further develop their rail infrastructure, with Lagos State utilizing track access on the red line.

“Kaduna is set to emerge shortly, and Niger is aiding us on the narrow gauge, notwithstanding the recent Mokwa flooding that caused disruptions. The intention was to transport rail services to Minna, Ilorin, and Offa during the festival three days ago, and they are supporting that endeavor,” he remarked.

The NRC Managing Director acknowledged Ogun State’s rail connection and underscored new projects, including the Jos-Bukuru line in Plateau State.

“This is because the government facilitated the removal of rail from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. Consequently, state governments can now independently develop rail systems, and they are also being supported by grants.

“In the current budget, 400 billion naira was allocated to support states. I am aware that several states have benefited from this allocation.

“This government’s objective is to ensure that the burden no longer falls solely on the national government. However, the national government remains committed to connecting the cities for every Nigerian,” he stated.

He further mentioned that the government is advancing rail infrastructure across various regions, with plans nearing completion for the southwest and progress underway in the southeast and northeast.