The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced plans to revive the Osogbo-Dagbolu Erunmu and Idogo railway lines in collaboration with the Southwest Development Commission (SWDC). The lines, which will be used for freight movement, aim to transport agricultural produce from southwest towns to Lagos markets and return consumer goods to the interior. This initiative is expected to enhance regional trade and food distribution.
According to SWDC Managing Director Charles Diji Akinola, the commission is focused on reviving these essential lines, which will play a crucial role in the economic revitalization of the southwest region. In the short term, SWDC plans to operate some of the old unserved routes on a profit-sharing basis, with subsidy considerations to support local farmers and encourage agricultural production.
The commission’s medium-term objectives include securing operational and track access licenses for new routes, attracting private sector investors, constructing warehouses along the corridors, and building new rail spurs to connect all southwest states to the national rail network. These plans build on previous work by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, which had advanced master planning for regional rail development in the six southwest states.
NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa expressed the corporation’s commitment to partnering with SWDC, federal agencies, and private sector stakeholders under programs such as the Track Access Programme and Railing With the States. This partnership will enable sub-national entities to utilize national rail corridors, with NRC directors instructed to work with SWDC’s technical team to develop the necessary Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to operationalize the lines.
The reactivation of the Osogbo-Dagbolu-Erunmu and Idogo rail lines is a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and promoting economic growth in the southwest region. With the collaboration between NRC and SWDC, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, supporting farmers and encouraging agricultural production. As the project moves forward, it will be important to monitor its progress and assess its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
