NRC launches major revival of dormant narrow-gauge rail lines to reconnect communities

NRC launches major revival of dormant narrow-gauge rail lines to reconnect communities

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has initiated an ambitious nationwide programme to revive long-abandoned narrow-gauge rail lines, aiming to reconnect neglected communities and stimulate local economies. Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa disclosed the plan on The Exchange Podcast hosted by Femi Soneye.

Opeifa explained that the corporation intends to optimise the more than 4,500 km of rail tracks built over the past century by bringing dormant corridors back into operation. These include the Idogo line in Ogun West, the Kaduna–Zaria line, and sections of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line that have been inactive for years.

According to him, the reactivation will be driven by a new “rail in with the states” initiative, which allows state governments to access and utilise these idle assets. Through this model, states can rehabilitate rail tracks and operate customised passenger or freight services without the huge financial burden of constructing new lines.

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Opeifa noted that the temporary removal of tracks during the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri line unintentionally disconnected communities such as Makurdi, Lafia, and Maiduguri — a gap that exposed the infrastructure to vandalism. Restoring rail services, he said, will not only revive commerce but also enhance security by re-establishing an official presence along the routes.

The NRC is also refurbishing old coaches and locomotives, which Opeifa stressed are “not too old, just not used,” and can provide many more years of reliable service once repaired.

Analysts describe the initiative as a pragmatic national development strategy, combining the long-term vision of a new standard-gauge rail network with the practical revitalisation of historic rail assets. The revival promises renewed connectivity and economic opportunity for smaller towns and rural communities that once relied on these lines as vital commercial arteries.

The success of the programme will hinge on strong collaboration between the NRC and state governments, as well as adequate funding for rehabilitation. With a new legal framework supporting increased state participation, political will appears to be in place.

As Nigeria works toward a modern rail future, the restoration of these lines signals a broader narrative of national renewal — one built on the solid foundation of its historic rail network.

NRC launches major revival of dormant narrow-gauge rail lines to reconnect communities