The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Lagos State Government have entered into a partnership aimed at improving rail infrastructure utilisation, expanding affordable transportation options and strengthening connectivity within the country.
The agreement, which involves a permanent operating licence and track access licence between the NRC and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), is expected to enhance the efficiency of commuter rail services across Lagos and neighbouring areas.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said the partnership was part of the Corporation’s strategy to maximise the use of existing railway assets and deepen collaboration with state governments.
Opeifa explained that the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway corridor, which has a double-track system, remains one of the country’s major rail investments but is currently not being fully utilised.
He said the arrangement would allow millions of residents in Lagos and Ogun states to benefit from a more integrated, affordable and efficient mass transit system.
According to him, improved rail operations would help reduce congestion on major transport routes, including Agege Motor Road and Ikorodu Road, while enabling the Lagos State Government to focus resources on other transport development projects.
The NRC boss added that the partnership would allow the Corporation to concentrate more on interstate and intercity rail services, while state authorities take greater responsibility for commuter rail operations within their jurisdictions.
He disclosed that similar collaborations had been initiated with Plateau State, while discussions were ongoing with Zamfara State to expand rail connectivity across the country.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, announced plans to increase train operations on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit network from nine daily services to 24 by September 1, 2026.
Akinajo said the increase would be supported by the deployment of three newly acquired trainsets funded with assistance from the Federal Government.
She explained that each trainset consists of eight coaches and can carry about 2,000 passengers per trip, significantly improving passenger capacity and service frequency.
Although the planned expansion represents more than double the current level of operations, Akinajo noted that it would still fall short of meeting the transportation demands of Lagos, given the state’s growing population.
She added that the operating and track access licences were achieved after years of negotiations, safety evaluations, training programmes and regulatory compliance between LAMATA and the NRC.
The partnership, she said, reflects ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and state authorities to maximise investments in railway infrastructure through improved management and efficient use of existing facilities.
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