By Fidelis Ugbomeh
The first fee-paying Lagos Rail Mass Transit along Oyingbo-Agbado led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commenced operation in the month of June after a successful test run.
The corporation had through Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority granted track access to Lagos state government to operate commercial passenger transit on the standard gauge railway line constructed by NRC through China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
Only passengers who tendered Cowry cards purchased at rate of ₦500and paid ₦1,500 each for a trip from Oyingbo to Agbado St the entrance of the train terminals were allowed to enter the train even as others paid ₦1,000 for a trip to Ikeja and Agege from Oyingbo
NEW APPOINTMENT
The former Director Procurement of Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC Ben Iloanusi has been appointed acting Managing Director of the Corporation following the completion of tenure of Engr. Fidet Okhiria.
Okhiria concluded his second four-year term on October 18 and officially handed over responsibilities to Iloanusi.
The Acting MD who has been in service of NRC since 2011, is the most senior director in the Corporation.
PROSPECTS
The corporation developed a track access framework that enables third parties (Investors) to procure and deploy their rolling stocks on National Railway network.
Former managing director of the corporation who made known pointed out that presently the corporation has granted “track access” to Lagos state to operate commercial train service from Oyingbo to Agbado and back for a token.
Okhiria noted that prior to passage of the National Transportation Bill by 9th assembly, the Federal Capital Territory Administration Lagos state government and Rivers had taken initiative to construct standard gauge railway lines (light rail) from Abuja City to Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport and Mile 2 to Marina in lagos respectively even as that of Rivers is yet to commence operation.
He stated that already Ogun State government has shown interest in the extension of interstate commercial mass transit from Agbado to Abeokuta on the standard gauge railway line.
Okhiria also said, Niger state and Plateau State governments have indicated willingness to partner with the corporation so as to enhance evacuation of bulky goods and passengers within the two states by rail.
This is as the Senate had in the supplementary appropriation bill of 2024 allocated over ₦530billion for counterpart funding for various projects including completion of the Ibadan-Kano railway project.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Adamu Aliero said during inspection tour of Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway project that the Federal government met its own terms of agreement to provide 15% counterpart funding but tha it is awaiting 85% funding from international bodies like African Development Bank and China EXIM Bank.
According to him, “It is intended as counterpart funding for a broader investment plan, with 85 percent of the required financing expected from international lenders, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and China Exim Bank.”
Aliero emphasized that the committee remains fully committed to supporting NRC’s mandate, praising the government’s focus on transforming the rail sector into a driver of economic growth.
He noted that the African Development Bank has also pledged $350 million to support the rail line connecting Kano to Maradi, while negotiations in China aimed at unlocking further funding for projects linking the southern and northern corridors remain on course.