NRC Insists Narrow Gauge Railway remains Operational, Pledges Sector Revitalization
Samuel Mobolaji
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed that its narrow-gauge rail network remains fully operational, countering recent media reports that suggested otherwise.
The NRC dismissed claims that the system is “dead,” emphasizing that passenger and freight services continue to run across the country.
The Corporation made these clarifications in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, and was obtained by our correspondent over the weekend.
NRC explained that the western and eastern narrow-gauge lines—connecting Lagos to Kano and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri—remain active.
“On the western corridor, trains continue to operate from Apapa and Ido to Ijoko daily under the Mass Transit Train Service (MTTS), which remains highly patronized by commuters. Additionally, freight services move containers from Apapa Port and cement from Ewekoro to Ibadan and Oshogbo. On the eastern corridor, the Port Harcourt to Aba Mass Transit Train (MTT) runs daily except Mondays,” the corporation stated.
The NRC’s assurance comes amid a major leadership transition, as Dr Kayode Opeifa officially assumed office as the Managing Director of the Corporation on January 30, 2025.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at the NRC headquarters, Dr Opeifa pledged to drive a comprehensive transformation agenda that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, “I am mindful that my role as NRC Managing Director is to represent and execute the government’s vision for railway development,” Opeifa said.
“My mission is to ensure the NRC fulfills its responsibility to Nigerians by delivering safe, efficient, and modern railway services.”
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