Nigeria Needs $10 Billion for Integrated Railway Network

Transportation experts have indicated that the Federal Government of Nigeria needs a minimum of $10 billion to create an integrated railway network that connects major regions and bolsters economic growth. Currently, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) operates segmented train services on routes such as Lagos-Ibadan, Itakpe-Warri, and Abuja-Kaduna, with a potential service between Kano and Katsina under consideration.

Expert Pamela Oluwatoyin emphasized that constructing additional rail lines, including Ibadan-Abuja and Maiduguri-Port Harcourt, would require significant investment but could yield substantial economic benefits. She noted that the exact cost of these projects cannot be determined without detailed engineering designs but estimated a minimum investment of $10 billion based on current budget allocations.

Oluwatoyin advocated for private sector participation in railway operations and suggested reallocating funds from road construction to railway expansion. She highlighted that an efficient rail system could alleviate pressure on road networks and enhance overall economic benefits.