We were pleased to host the leadership of the South-East Development Commission at the NRC Headquarters in Lagos. This marks our first formal engagement with any of the regional commissions established by Mr President to drive even development across all zones.
During the visit, we emphasized the critical role of the SEDC in advancing the Federal Government’s vision to rehabilitate, expand, and optimize Nigeria’s railway infrastructure. The presence of SEDC’s Managing Director, Mr. Mark Okoye, and Southwest Director, Mrs. Adejoke Adebayo Chukwumah, highlights the Commission’s commitment to prioritizing rail development in the South-East.
We look forward to strengthening this collaboration to enhance rail connectivity and economic growth in the region.
The delegation also visited the Lagos Terminus in Iddo. We revisited our historical role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic growth, a legacy that began in the colonial era when the first rail lines were built to foster trade and commerce.
During the visit, we underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to the rehabilitation and expansion of Nigeria’s narrow gauge railway networks. This strategic focus is designed to enhance mobility, reduce transportation costs, and boost overall economic productivity.
As we noted, “While Nigeria developed 3,500 kilometres of rail lines in our first 60 years post-independence, the Federal Government successfully constructed over 1,000 kilometres of new or refurbished rail lines in the past decade, marking a significant milestone in railway development.”
We further highlighted that revitalizing the railway sector is set to substantially lower the cost of goods, providing tangible benefits for both businesses and consumers. The rehabilitation of the Eastern Corridor railway line, in particular, is anticipated to restore vital connectivity between key cities in the South-East and other regions, strengthening our national network.
Addressing concerns over vandalism along the Eastern Corridor, we affirmed that our railway assets remain active and valuable, not mere scrap. Our ongoing efforts to re-purpose outdated infrastructure and enhance service delivery underscore our commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s railway system.
With robust plans underway to elevate railway services across the country, we remain dedicated to ensuring that our development initiatives are aligned with national economic goals. The Federal Government’s drive for modernization, improved efficiency, and expanded connectivity is expected to further propel Nigeria’s GDP growth and bolster both domestic and international trade.