Development of Railway Transport System in Nigeria: The Evolution of the Nigerian Railway System from Establishment to Decline and Revival"

BOBMANUEL Cynthia Ibiwari; DAMINABO Ferdinand PhD

doi:10.56201/ijemt.vol.11.no7.2025.pg139.155

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Development of Railway Transport System in Nigeria: The Evolution of the Nigerian Railway System from Establishment to Decline and Revival"

BOBMANUEL Cynthia Ibiwari, and DAMINABO Ferdinand PhD

Abstract

The development of Nigeria’s railway system reflects a historical trajectory marked by early promise, systemic decline, and ongoing efforts to revitalize it. The system began in 1912 with the merger of the Lagos Government Railway and the Baro-Kano Railway, and was later formalized under the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act of 1955. For decades, the railway played a crucial role in national integration, facilitating the movement of people and goods while supporting economic development. However, over time, the sector suffered from chronic underinvestment, neglect, and policy shifts that prioritized road infrastructure. This led to widespread infrastructural decay, reduced efficiency, and declining public confidence. In response to these challenges, the Nigerian government has initiated major reforms under the National Railway Modernization Project, aiming to replace the outdated narrow-gauge network with standard- and modern-gauge systems. These efforts are supported by international partnerships and public- private collaborations to ease financial constraints. Notable initiatives include the proposed rolling stock manufacturing facility in Kaduna and the Transport University in Daura, which are intended to localize technical expertise and build a skilled workforce. Furthermore, the potential introduction of high-speed rail (HSR) is seen as a transformative step toward reducing travel time, decongesting major urban centers, and stimulating regional economic growth. However, persistent issues—such as regulatory inconsistencies, outdated legislation, funding gaps, and limited technical capacity—continue to hinder progress. The prolonged delay in the passage of a new Railway Bill highlights the urgency for institutional reform. Nevertheless, with sustained political will and strategic investment, Nigeria’s railway system can once again become a reliable, efficient, and sustainable component of national transport infrastructure

Keywords

Railway TransportDevelopmentDeclineRebirthRevitalization.

References

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Development of Railway Transport System in Nigeria: The Evolution of the Nigerian Railway System from Establishment to Decline and Revival"

Abstract

Keywords

References

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