NRC to reactivate Nguru, other rail lines for farm produce transportation
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has announced plans to reactivate century-old railway lines, including the Nguru line in Yobe and the Idogo line in Ogun State, to facilitate the movement of farm produce and expand cargo transportation across the country.
Speaking at the NRC headquarters in Lagos while hosting the leadership of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), Opeifa emphasized the corporation’s commitment to enhancing freight services.
He highlighted the recent relaunch of freight movement from Apapa Port to Moniya, Ibadan, via the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge as a step towards revitalizing rail logistics.
Opeifa stated that NRC is collaborating with terminal operators, logistics companies, and manufacturers to transport containers and bulk goods such as cement, gypsum, soda ash, and coils from ports to various destinations.
He added that in the coming months, seamless cargo movement beyond Ibadan on the narrow-gauge western line would commence, with plans to extend operations to Ilorin, Mokwa, and Minna.
“We are gradually reclaiming our role as the primary mode of bulk cargo transportation over long distances, which had been dominated by road transport. Beyond standard gauge operations, we are also focusing on the nation’s food belt.
“We aim to activate lines like Nguru and Idogo to ensure efficient farm produce delivery to urban markets,” Opeifa said.
The President of CIOTA, Dr. Olusegun Obayendo, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Opeifa, describing him as a suitable leader for the role.
