Lagging behind in its regional context, Nigeria’s 3,505-kilometer colonial narrow-gauge and 669-kilometer modern standard-gauge railway lines starkly contrast with countries like Egypt, which boasts a 6,700-kilometer network. However, change is on the horizon, with the Nigerian government initiating substantial railway development projects.
The commitment in Abuja to revamping the nation’s outdated railway infrastructure is evident in recent undertakings. These include new corridors like Ibadan to Apapa port and significant milestones such as the Abuja-Kaduna line in 2016, the Abuja light rail network in 2018, and the Itakpe-Warri line in 2020.
A landmark policy shift occurred in 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari, empowering states to construct their railway lines, previously a federal prerogative. As a railway historian observing Nigeria, I see this rejuvenation as pivotal for the nation’s progress.
The resurgence of railways can trigger profound societal transformations reminiscent of the boom during the colonial era through the late 1960s. However, this revival hinges on critical actions: robust investment in new and existing lines, indigenous manufacturing for railway necessities, strict regulation of road transport for fair industry competition, and an open-arm policy toward foreign investment.
Tracing the Tracks: Nigeria’s Railway Heritage
The genesis of Nigeria’s railways was in 1896 under British colonial rule, aligning with European “railway imperialism” aimed at resource exploitation in Africa. The inaugural Lagos Railway emerged in 1898, stretching approximately 190 kilometers from Iddo to Ibadan by 1901, subsequently bolstering the country’s import-export backbone.
Historically, railways preceded modern road networks, facilitating not just commerce but also social integration. By the early 1960s, the railway was a popular mode of travel, moving an average of 12 million passengers annually across cities and rural-urban divides.
The railway’s societal impact was palpable. Transitioning from colonial management to the Nigerian Railway Corporation in 1955, it fostered vibrant, diverse communities around its workshops and stations.
Despite a peak financial performance in 1964, the system suffered a downturn due to deteriorating infrastructure, neglect, and mismanagement, eroding its central role in Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape.
Modernization: A Journey of Fits and Starts
Efforts at reorganization have been sporadic and largely ineffective, with initiatives ranging from foreign technical partnerships to extensive rehabilitation contracts, often yielding little progress. Notable among these was a $528 million agreement in 1995 with China Civil Engineering and Construction Company, focusing solely on refurbishing existing assets.
According to a report by ESI Africa, a comprehensive 25-year strategic vision, approved in 2002, aimed to upgrade the entire network to standard-gauge tracks. Despite a substantial budget, political turbulence and procedural disputes stalled progress, with successive governments oscillating between rehabilitation and modernization strategies.
Recent advancements include the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan modernization project in June 2021, contributing to passenger traffic growth. However, concerns remain about state governments undertaking railway development’s financial viability and management capacity.
A Path to Sustainable Rail Transport
The federal government’s role remains indispensable, necessitating increased budget allocations for operational and infrastructural expenditures. Emphasis on local manufacturing, strict enforcement of road transport regulations, and welcoming foreign investment will complement these efforts, collectively steering Nigeria toward a prosperous rail-anchored future.
