By Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo 
Across the vast expanse of Nigeria, from the bustling ports of Lagos to the Sahelian reaches of Kaura Namoda, a rhythmic clatter is reclaiming the landscape. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), once a symbol of colonial relic and post-independence stagnation, is undergoing a metamorphosis. Central to this revival is not just the steel of the rails, but the “Fourth Estate of the Realm”—the media—which has transitioned from mere observer to a strategic partner in the nation’s transport evolution.
For decades, the narrative surrounding the NRC was one of “moribund assets” and “dashed hopes.” Today, a deliberate shift in media engagement has rewritten that story. Through investigative documentaries, real-time social media updates, and dedicated transport beats, the Nigerian media has played a dual role:
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Transparency & Accountability: By tracking the progress of the Lagos–Kano and Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridors, journalists have held contractors and government agencies to high standards.
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Public Awareness: Media coverage of the “Renewed Hope” fare concessions—such as the 50% discount during the 2025/2026 festive season—resulted in record-breaking passenger patronage, proving that the rail is once again a “preferred mode of mobility” for the average Nigerian.
The current growth spurt is anchored in a landmark policy shift. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has championed the movement of railway development from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
What this means for the 36 States:
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Sub-national Autonomy: States are no longer bystanders. They can now build, own, and operate their own rail networks.
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The National Railway Development Roadmap: This new framework allows states to leverage existing federal rail corridors at no additional cost.
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Vision 2-5-10-20: A strategic NRC roadmap aiming for electric traction by Year 5 and a staggering 60,000 km of network within 20 years.
The growth of the NRC is a masterclass in inter-governmental cooperation. While the Federal Government provides the “backbone” (the national standard gauge), State and Local Governments are focusing on the “capillaries.”
“The roadmap is designed to enable every state to access and utilize the national rail corridors… If your state is along the corridor, you can run services on the line.”
— Dr. Kayode Opeifa, MD/CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
At the Local Government level, the impact is felt through “Railway Economy” hubs. Small businesses, agricultural off-takers, and commuters in rural stations like Dangora and Zaria are seeing a resurgence in trade as the NRC expands its freight-by-rail operations for cement, gypsum, and containerized cargo.
The overarching goal of the Renewed Hope Agenda is National Integration. By connecting all 36 states and the FCT, the government aims to:
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Decongest the Roads: Shifting heavy haulage (like AKK Pipeline materials) from trucks to trains to save billions in road maintenance.
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Economic Sovereignty: Prioritizing local content through the “Nigeria First Policy,” ensuring that railway maintenance and technology transfer empower Nigerian engineers.
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Social Inclusion: Building “Renewed Hope Cities” near rail terminals to ensure affordable housing is inextricably linked to efficient transport.
The Nigerian railway is no longer a ghost of the past; it is a live wire of the future. As the media continues to spotlight every bolt tightened and every station opened, the dream of a 36-state connectivity is moving from the drawing board to the tracks.
