NRC Urges States and Local Governments to Invest in Railway Operation through Partnership, Purchase of Rolling Stocks

NRC Urges States and Local Governments to Invest in Railway Operation through Partnership, Purchase of Rolling Stocks

 The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has called on state and local governments, as well as corporate bodies, to invest in railway operation through partnership, following the removal of the Railway Act from the Exclusive to Concurrent list.

 According to the Managing Director of NRC, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, the railways will be unbundled to allow investors to purchase rolling stocks/locomotive engines and be granted "track access" to utilize the tracks at a cost.

Okhiria made this remark at the "Endowed Professional Chair On Transport and Logistics" maiden guest lecture held at Lagos State University.

 He noted that Lagos State government has already invested in the construction of the blue line from Mile 2 to Marina and back, and has been granted "track access" to operate commercial train service from Oyingbo to Agbado and back for a token.

Okhiria also mentioned that Ogun State government has shown interest in extending the interstate commercial mass transit from Agbado to Abeokuta, while Rivers State government has constructed a light rail line and Niger State government has expressed willingness to partner with NRC to enhance evacuation of bulky goods by rail. He encouraged other states to emulate Lagos in procuring rolling stocks/locomotive engines and constructing rail tracks where necessary.

The NRC boss also highlighted the corporation's operations, including four passenger trains from Lagos-Ibadan daily and regular standard gauge freight train service from Lagos to Ibadan. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello, commended Lagos State government for its investment in transportation, particularly railways, and noted that the removal of NRC from the exclusive to concurrent list will empower states to invest in transportation.

Professor Bamidele Badejo emphasized the significance of the paper presentation in highlighting the opportunities inherent in the removal of railways from the exclusive to concurrent list, noting that many states and local governments are unaware of the passage of the bill into law.