Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC)
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) manages Nigeria’s rail transport, vital for economic growth and connectivity. It aims to modernise rail infrastructure for efficient service.
Founding: Established in 1955 under the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act, the NRC evolved from colonial rail systems, which started in 1898, with the first line from Lagos to Ibadan.
Operations: The NRC operates passenger and freight services across Nigeria, covering over 3,500 km of tracks. Key routes include Lagos-Kano and Abuja-Kaduna. It transports goods like agricultural produce and minerals, easing road congestion.
Structure: Headquartered in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the NRC is led by a Managing Director and overseen by the Federal Ministry of Transport. It has seven districts for regional management.
Challenges & Reforms: The NRC faces ageing infrastructure and funding issues. Recent investments, like the $1.5B Lagos-Ibadan rail completed in 2021, and partnerships with China aim to modernise and expand services.
