Lagos, Nigeria – Commuters and traders can look forward to the resumption of train services between Minna, Niger State, and Lagos within the next few months, according to Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC). Opeifa made the announcement via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, signaling a renewed push to revitalize rail transport across the country.
The NRC’s renewed commitment comes as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, a policy initiative focused on improving national transportation infrastructure and lowering the cost of goods. The Tinubu administration believes that a robust transportation network is crucial for stimulating economic activity and easing the burden on businesses and consumers. By facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people, the government aims to create a more favorable environment for trade and investment.
Opeifa’s statement reiterated the NRC’s pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s supply chains and logistics. He stressed the corporation’s dedication to supporting economic activities in all regions of Nigeria, ensuring that the benefits of efficient rail transport are felt nationwide. The resumption of the Minna-Lagos line is seen as a key step in this direction, promising to connect key agricultural and commercial hubs and facilitate the smooth flow of goods between the north and the south.
While a precise date for the resumption of services was not given, the NRC Managing Director stated that the corporation is working diligently to ensure that the train service between Minna and Lagos becomes operational in the coming months. This timeframe reflects the NRC’s confidence in its progress and suggests that any remaining logistical challenges will be addressed soon.
This development coincides with ongoing discussions between the Niger State Government and the NRC. These talks center around a proposed partnership aimed at ensuring the safe and efficient rail transport of food items from Niger State to other parts of the country. Niger State, known for its agricultural productivity, stands to benefit significantly from improved access to markets, and the partnership with the NRC is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.