The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has commenced a review and repositioning of its operations to improve national rail services.
According to the Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the corporation, was working to revitalize its services, including the Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Port Harcourt-Aba train services.
He said the Corporation was working to reactivate Lagos-Kano-Baro Narrow Gauge Line.
The corporation, he said, aimed to increase freight and cargo movement, improve national mobility for agricultural products, and make rail infrastructure available to states.
NRC is repairing and refurbishing abandoned locomotives, engines, and coaches for repurposing.
The Corporation is working with states to provide rail infrastructure for mass transit programs, such as Lagos State Red Line and Plateau State’s “Railing on the Plateau.”
NRC aims to deepen trade between Northern and Southern Nigeria, increase national productivity and GDP, and reduce transportation costs.
The Corporation plans to deepen public sector participation in rail operations through the Track Access Programme, allowing operation license holders to utilize national rail assets.
NRC has commenced track restoration, recovery, and safety audits to ensure safe and reliable rail operations.
The Corporation is working to implement institutional reforms, restructuring, and repositioning in line with global practices.
Opeifa said that NRC was working with the Federal Ministry of Transportation to launch the new NRC and reformed the National Rail System.
He said the Corporation was developing a new National Strategic Rail Development Plan to guide the development of the rail sector.
