The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is gearing up to launch new and improved train services, catering to both passengers and freight, across the country. Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of NRC, revealed that the corporation is set to introduce the Port-Harcourt-Aba, Lagos-Kano routes and increase the frequency of train trips by the first quarter of 2024.
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Mr. Okhiria emphasized that the Standard Gauge Train will see a significant boost, with plans to operate six daily trips, offering enhanced accessibility and convenience.
Addressing the operational challenges, Mr. Okhiria acknowledged the limitations posed by the current security situation, resulting in reduced operating hours. However, he outlined the corporation’s commitment to reinstating 24-hour operations and providing round-the-clock service to meet the diverse needs of customers.
Furthermore, the NRC’s strategy encompasses reviving passenger and freight train services, with a specific focus on vital trade routes, such as Port-Harcourt to Aba, and Lagos to Kano and Kaduna, leveraging the potential of dry ports to facilitate efficient cargo transportation.
Highlighting the significance of anti-vandalism measures, Mr. Okhiria stressed the correlation between increased occupancy on train tracks and a decline in vandalism, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of operations.
The envisioned expansion is poised to yield substantial benefits, as Mr. Okhiria projected a significant reduction in commodity prices through the efficient facilitation of freight trains, promoting trade and economic development across the country.
In sync with its expansion plans, the NRC is poised to collaborate with various dry ports, including Dala, Funtua, and Kaduna, aimed at streamlining cargo delivery and expediting business processes, ultimately contributing to bolstered government revenue.
Mr. Okhiria also underscored the corporation’s efforts in bolstering its workforce, having recently enlisted junior staff to augment its operational capabilities, awaiting government approval for their formal placement. This move is poised to fortify the NRC’s operational prowess, ensuring seamless service delivery.
Amid these developments, Mr. Okhiria lauded the government’s commitment to expanding the railway network and urged Nigerians to embrace and actively partake in rail transportation, signifying a pivotal stride towards a robust and interconnected rail infrastructure.
As the NRC sets its sights on transformative growth, the forthcoming initiatives stand to redefine the landscape of rail transportation in Nigeria, bolstering its role in fostering national connectivity and economic prosperity.
