The Nigerian Railway Corporation and the South-West Development Commission have opened formal talks on a joint plan to restore abandoned and idle rail corridors across the region.
In a statement issued yesterday, the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the initiative is expected to strengthen regional links and support economic activity. The discussion took shape on Tuesday during a visit to the NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, by the SWDC delegation led by its Managing Director, Charles Diji Akinola, in Lagos.
Opeifa said the Corporation was prepared to work with the Commission on a Memorandum of Understanding that would guide the reopening of dormant lines for commercial use. He explained that the NRC remained open to partnerships with state governments and development agencies in order to make better use of the national rail network. He added that the plan aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goal of expanding rail services across the country.
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He also noted that the South-West proposal mirrors similar requests from the South-East Development Commission and the Niger State government, all seeking to bring inactive routes back into service. With rail matters now listed on the Concurrent Legislative List, he said states and regional bodies could take a more active role in the sector.
Akinola, in his remarks, said the Commission’s immediate focus is on reviving old corridors that once served as key economic channels. He identified the Osogbo–Dagbolu–Erunmu stretch and the long-abandoned Idogo route as priority lines because of their importance to the movement of food supplies and goods within and beyond the region. He added that the SWDC intends to run the services under a profit-sharing arrangement with the NRC and is already in discussion with investors interested in regional rail operations.
Following the meeting, officials from both organisations visited the ongoing renovation work at the Iddo Terminal and later inspected facilities at the Mobolaji Johnson Station in Ebute Metta.
