Railway

Lagos to Ibadan rail: Proof of pudding is in the eating

Published

6 years ago

December 16, 2020

Life is gradually returning to the rail track leading from Lagos to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. PAUL ADE-ADELEYE shares his experience

After much talk, some animosity and a burst of determination, the Lagos to Ibadan rail line finally kicked off activities low-key on December 7. Although its maiden trip was mocked for recording generally low patronage, the fault did not lie with the quality of service on offer; neither did it lie, contrary to popular opinion, with the fare of commuting. A return journey to and from Ibadan last week Wednesday, turned out to be exhilarating.

Train host/hostesses

Everyone has said it, so it is no secret that none of the train stations on the 156km route is complete at the moment. The closest to completion is the Lagos terminal at Ebute Metta in Lagos Mainland. When completed, the terminal has been touted to match international standards. A cursory glance at the level of work ongoing at the station seems to point to the absence of any fib on the part of those who believe that the new terminal will be of high quality. Awaiting the comfort of the new terminal, however, Lagos District Manager of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Jerry Oche, took it upon himself to ensure that travellers were well treated.

Inviting the first five travellers to arrive at the Lagos Station to the conference room of the old terminal last Wednesday, the manager fielded questions and even served drinks, apologising that the waiting area and ticketing booth were not ready. One traveller wondered aloud why there was little publicity concerning how the train would work, especially as most travellers simply had to grope their way through the procedure leading up to boarding the train. Mr Oche, an engineer, however, revealed that the absence of fanfare and advertorial that would serve as official publicity for the commencement of the train service was deliberate.

Officially, the train service has not been commissioned. This will be done by President Buhari sometime in January by which time it is hoped the project would have been completed. Meanwhile, the bit-part launching of the train service means that with current operations, the train can sit as many as 580 people. At the moment, especially since the station is not completely ready and there is no secure waiting area, it may be difficult to manage such a number. Oche is reluctant to kick-start operations at full capacity when the facilities to manage such numbers are not yet completely available. For now, he appears content to let the train service announce itself, a strategy that appears to be yielding dividends.

The district manager is additionally confident that this can be a successful strategy because the train service had conducted a free trial from Iju to Ibadan and only the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the service. When the trial started, they recorded low turnout but soon the numbers skyrocketed and maximum patronage was recorded at every journey.

Facilities

The reporter arrived at the train station with the intent of travelling humbly. Humility must be understood to mean economy class. However, when the booking clerk would ask what class of commuting the reporter wanted, a strange whim caused the reporter to opt for first class.

The passage

The first-class coach, which seats 24 passengers, costs N6,000; the business class coach, which seats 56 passengers, costs N5,000; while the economy coaches cost N3,000 for the 68-seater coach and N2, 000 for the 88-seater coach.

Luxury is an addictive spirit, so let it suffice to say that the return journey was first class also. Whatever the financial effects of this deluxe treatment of self, the devil may care but the reporter does not. To purchase a train ticket, the prospective commuter must present some form of identification – no doubt for security purposes.

Despite the incompleteness of the rail station, the manager was keen on security. He mandated that only travellers were to be on the ramp leading up to the train during boarding hours. There are also contracted security personnel belonging to several paramilitary bodies who embark on every train ride for the safety of the passengers. No staffer without business on the train was to be in the vicinity. At the entrance of the train, courteous staff (a welcome improvement in Nigeria) greeted the passengers, and the train not to be outdone, also breathed a cheeky draught of cold air. The trip, this implied, would be fully air-conditioned. The train was not complaining, the employees were not, and the passengers certainly were not. That consensus being reached, the reporter did not begrudge the train hostess leading him to the first class session – he paid for it anyway. There were sinks on the train, restrooms and a mini-bar from which nourishment was to be served for the pleasure of travellers.

Cross-checking this array of amenities with a contact in the United Kingdom confirmed that the regular metro trains do not offer this luxury. Only the long-distance trains, which operate between counties, do. While the economy and business class carriages looked comfortable enough, the reporter cannot say much for them, having only passed through. The first-class coach, however, was what it promised. The seats had trays, which could be summoned or neatly tucked away according to the traveller’s preference. The seats could also be rotated a full 360 degrees should the traveller not enjoy the sensation of being in reverse as the train rolls along. Trains, you see, hardly turn. There are engines at both ends, which propel the train depending on the train’s direction, and so the traveller is either travelling backward or forward.

Interior of the First Class coach

At exactly 4 pm, the train departed the station. The passengers had been warned that the trip would last 2:41 hours. There are stations in Agege, Alagbado, Kajola, Abeokuta, Papalanto, Olodo, Omi Adio and finally Moniya, Ibadan, but for now, only the Abeokuta station is a stopping station. The stop was for only five minutes, and, as promised, at exactly 6:41, the train rolled into the Ibadan station. Similarly, the next morning, the train departed Ibadan by exactly 8 am and was in Ebute Metta at exactly 10:41 am. At maximum speed, the train is expected to eat up the distance at the rate of 150km/hr. The precision was encouraging for it meant a fellow could work his schedule around the train schedule. Mr Oche noted that when the train service became fully operational, it could make as many as 16 trips daily with a train departing and arriving every other hour. The journey could have been shorter, but people trading on the rail lines have forced the train to virtually crawl through Lagos, picking up speed from Alagbado station.

Verdict

For the current prices, the Lagos-Ibadan rail service is worth the expenditure. As noted by many analysts, the advantages floor whatever financial inconvenience the traveller may experience. For N2,500, the commuter who has chosen economy class will get more than double the comfort that a traveller by road would hope to enjoy in public transport. The traveller again enjoys additional guarantee that they will arrive at their destination in one piece and at a pre-arranged time. The business class traveller, for only N5,000, will enjoy more exclusivity and can make use of a laptop or other such device as may be reasonably sized for their work. It is presumed that the first-class passenger has called congress in his mind and deliberated on what premium can be placed on comfort and luxury in travelling. Honeymooners or those who do not like crowded spaces are advised to travel first class. It offers comforts that even luxurious private vehicles struggle to match.

The fear, as with many other things in Nigeria, is the maintenance culture. It was lack of proper maintenance and farsightedness that led to the decline of the railway system which the British bequeathed. The NRC must be careful not to rest on its oars but seek new and better ways to innovate rail travel, for only by so doing can the current pace be sustained and evenly matched. The District Manager predicts that by February, the stations will be completed. It is difficult to see how that is possible.

-The Nation

Railway

NRC graduates 31 locomotive pilots to power rail expansion, freight reforms

Published

1 week ago

July 29, 2026

Trends Admin

NRC graduates 31 locomotive pilots to power rail expansion, freight reforms

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has strengthened its drive to reposition rail transportation with the graduation of 31 newly trained locomotive pilots, declaring that a new generation of skilled operators will be at the heart of the Federal Government’s railway expansion and freight revolution.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described locomotive pilots as the “driving force” behind the corporation’s ongoing reforms, stressing that the graduates would play a pivotal role in improving safety, efficiency and reliability across Nigeria’s rail network.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Monsurat Omotayo, Opeifa said the graduates had completed more than one year of rigorous classroom and practical training, reflecting the corporation’s commitment to professionalism and operational excellence.

He said the pilots would be central to the expansion of railway operations nationwide, particularly as the Federal Government pursues partnerships with state governments to develop rail infrastructure and provide affordable, reliable transportation.

According to him, the corporation’s Track Access Policy and freight transportation reforms remain top priorities.

“As locomotive pilots, you will be at the centre of these initiatives and the future of railway transportation in Nigeria,” Opeifa said.

He assured the graduates—including two women—that the corporation would continue to invest in their professional development through exposure to global best practices aimed at enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Earlier, the Assistant Director, Motive Power, Mr. Abiodun Olokun, disclosed that 45 employees drawn from different operational departments were selected for the training programme conducted at the NRC Training Schools in Lagos and Zaria, Kaduna State.

He explained that while 31 trainees successfully completed the programme, 11 were retained for further practical training to strengthen their competence. Two others did not meet the required performance standard, while one trainee was unable to complete the programme after being involved in a road accident. The three were returned to their respective departments.

Olokun said the trainees underwent three months of intensive classroom instruction, followed by six months of practical exposure across operational departments and simulator training in Zaria.

“The programme was designed to expose the trainees not only to locomotive operations but also to the entire railway operating environment,” he said.

Chief Locomotive Instructor Mr. Godwin Edet described the graduates as exceptional in both theory and practical performance, expressing confidence that they could compete favourably with locomotive operators anywhere in the world.

The Technical Adviser to the Managing Director on Railway Operations and Services, Mr. Adeife Olukolade, urged the graduates to strictly adhere to the operational rule book, noting that discipline and compliance with safety procedures remain the best safeguards against accidents.

Also speaking, the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo, reminded the new pilots that they would be responsible for the safety of hundreds of passengers and the movement of freight, an area receiving renewed government attention.

The Director of Civil Engineering and New Lines, Engr. Adekunle Ayeni, described the graduation as a sign of renewed hope for the corporation and called for the recruitment and training of younger engineers to replace ageing personnel.

Similarly, the Deputy Director, Mechanical, Electrical, Signals and Telecommunications, Engr. Habeeb Olakunle Alaka, urged the graduates to collaborate closely with engineers by providing operational feedback that would improve equipment performance and overall efficiency.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Amina Oden thanked the management for investing in their development and pledged that the graduates would uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their duties.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of souvenirs to the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Osinowo, by the graduating locomotive pilots.

Railway

Oyetola, VP’s aide, Opeifa to drive discussions at 2026 TCAN Transport Summit

Published

2 weeks ago

July 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Oyetola, VP’s aide, Opeifa to drive discussions at 2026 TCAN Transport Summit

LAGOS – Nigeria’s drive to build a more efficient and integrated transportation system will take centre stage on September 24 as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr Segun Obayendo, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, have confirmed their participation in the 2026 Transportation Summit organised by the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN).

Their participation is expected to provide a major boost to the annual summit, which has evolved into one of the country’s foremost platforms for discussions on transportation policy, infrastructure development, logistics and sustainable mobility.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Growth Through Transportation Logistics,” will bring together policymakers, regulators, transport operators, industry leaders, development partners, academics and other stakeholders to chart practical pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s logistics ecosystem and accelerating economic growth.

Participants will examine the current state of the nation’s transportation architecture across the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors, while identifying solutions to the bottlenecks hindering seamless movement of passengers and cargo.

Discussions will also focus on multimodal transport integration, investment opportunities within the logistics and supply chains, digital transformation, infrastructure financing, and public-private partnership initiatives.

Oyetola, VP’s aide, Opeifa to drive discussions at 2026 TCAN Transport Summit

Railway

NRC, Police Intensify Crackdown on Railway Vandals as Opeifa Pushes for Tougher Asset Protection

Published

3 weeks ago

July 18, 2026

Trends Admin

NRC, Police Intensify Crackdown on Railway Vandals as Opeifa Pushes for Tougher Asset Protection

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has vowed to strengthen the Corporation’s partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to combat vandalism and safeguard Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, following the recent arrest of three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of stolen materials valued at about ₦200 million.

Opeifa made the pledge on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

He described the nation’s railway infrastructure as a strategic national asset that must be protected from criminal activities capable of disrupting rail operations and undermining the Federal Government’s investments in the sector.

Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola, Opeifa said the NRC would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that all suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

The NRC boss praised the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism, vigilance and swift response, which led to the arrest of the three suspects during an intelligence-led operation.

The suspects were intercepted while allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos, with the recovered items estimated to be worth about ₦200 million.

Describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism, Opeifa said the success underscored the value of sustained collaboration between the Corporation and security agencies in protecting critical public infrastructure.

He reaffirmed the Corporation’s resolve to deepen cooperation with the police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and relevant stakeholders to curb vandalism, theft and sabotage across the country’s railway network.

Opeifa also appealed to members of the public to support the campaign against railway vandalism by providing credible and timely information that could help security agencies prevent attacks on railway facilities.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable rail transportation while working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure,” he said.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, called on the National Assembly to review existing laws on vandalism of critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for offenders.

He warned vandals and other criminal elements to stay away from Oyo State, assuring that the Command would continue to track, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of public infrastructure.

Abimbola added that the three suspects and the recovered railway materials would be handed over to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

The renewed security collaboration comes as the NRC intensifies efforts to protect rail infrastructure amid ongoing investments by the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s railway network and improve the safety and reliability of rail transport nationwide.