The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has revealed plans to switch its rail network to electric-powered trains within the next five years.

The announcement was made by the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, during the Seventh National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA) in Abuja. 

He said the move is part of the Corporation’s long-term development framework known as Vision 2-5-10-20.

Under this framework, the NRC intends to optimize existing rail assets within the first two years, transition to electric traction by the fifth year, double the nation’s rail capacity in ten years, and expand the network to at least 60,000 kilometres nationwide in twenty years.

Currently, the only electric-powered rail line in Nigeria is the Lagos Blue Line, which forms part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system. The first 13-kilometre phase from Marina to Mile 2 began commercial operations in September 2023. 

The remaining 14 kilometres, stretching to Okokomaiko, are expected to be completed by 2026.

Dr. Opeifa also disclosed that the Federal Government will soon launch a National Railway Development Roadmap to ensure rail connectivity across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. 

The plan aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope agenda and recent legislative changes that allow states to participate directly in railway development.

According to him, Lagos and Plateau States are already using the national rail corridors, while other states, including Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, and Niger, are preparing to link up with existing routes.

In addition to expanding passenger transport, the NRC is increasing freight-by-rail services for goods such as cement, gypsum, metal coils, and materials for the AKK Pipeline Project. This expansion is expected to ease road congestion and boost economic activity.

The new roadmap aims to integrate modern technology, sustainable operations, and electric-powered trains, creating a cleaner and more efficient railway system over the next two decades.