Opeifa Seeks EU Investment to Fast-track Nigeria’s Low-Carbon Rail Revolution

Opeifa Seeks EU Investment to Fast-track Nigeria’s Low-Carbon Rail Revolution

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has called on the European Union, international investors and development finance institutions to channel sustainable investments into Nigeria’s railway sector to accelerate the country’s transition to a low-carbon transport system and drive economic growth.

Opeifa said expanding and modernising Nigeria’s rail network would not only help reduce carbon emissions but also lower logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, create jobs and strengthen regional connectivity, positioning rail as a catalyst for national development.

Speaking at the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum on Sustainable Transportation and Global Gateway Opportunities for Partnerships held on Thursday, Opeifa described rail transportation as a strategic national asset capable of advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation while supporting its climate change commitments.

According to him, rail remains one of the cleanest and most energy-efficient modes of transportation, making sustained investment in the sector critical to reducing pressure on the nation’s highways and promoting environmentally friendly mobility.

“By strengthening our railway network, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions, ease congestion on our highways, lower logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, and stimulate industrial and commercial activities across Nigeria,” he said.

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The NRC boss reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable railway system through ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening rail infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and expanding freight services.

He added that the corporation is also creating opportunities for greater private sector participation through sustainable investment models that would unlock long-term value in the railway industry.

Opeifa identified the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative as a major platform for deepening cooperation between Nigeria and international partners in the development of critical rail infrastructure.

He said the corporation is seeking partnerships that would support railway modernisation, deployment of green technologies, renewable energy integration, digital rail systems, capacity building and innovative financing solutions.

According to him, sustainable transportation has become an economic and environmental necessity rather than a policy choice, stressing that investment in rail infrastructure would deliver lasting benefits for future generations.

He urged investors, technology providers, development finance institutions and strategic partners to collaborate with the NRC in transforming Nigeria’s railway network into a resilient, competitive and environmentally sustainable transportation system.

Such investments, he noted, would accelerate Nigeria’s rail decarbonisation journey, facilitate trade, strengthen regional integration and promote inclusive economic development.

Opeifa expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union would unlock new opportunities for sustainable infrastructure financing and technological advancement in the railway sector.

He also commended the European Union and organisers of the Nigeria–EU Business Forum for providing a platform to promote dialogue, partnerships and investments that support sustainable transportation across Nigeria.

The NRC managing director reiterated that with the right investments and strategic partnerships, Nigeria’s railway sector can become a major driver of economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability and national prosperity.

 

Opeifa Seeks EU Investment to Fast-track Nigeria’s Low-Carbon Rail Revolution