Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a key milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure: the commencement of operations at the Aremo Olusegun Osoba Station. Located in Olodo, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, the station enhances connectivity along the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) corridor. This development is part of NRC’s ongoing efforts to expand rail coverage and optimize operations nationwide.
Truth Live News gathered that the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, launched in June 2021, has been a critical component in Nigeria’s drive for efficient transportation. Spanning 157 kilometers with an additional 7-kilometer branch line, the rail line connects Lagos, the economic hub, with Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, offering a fast, secure, and cost-effective travel option.
In the first quarter of 2024, NRC generated N1.42 billion from transporting 675,293 passengers, underscoring the growing demand for rail services. In response to this demand, the NRC expanded its Abuja-Kaduna route to six daily trips on weekdays and added extra Friday and Saturday trips on the Lagos-Ibadan route, increasing service flexibility for commuters.
Additionally, the Lagos-Ibadan rail line’s economic potential received a boost with the October 2024 issuance of a three-year freight service license to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The license, effective until 2027, aims to improve freight logistics and enhance business activities along the corridor.
The opening of the Aremo Olusegun Osoba Station marks a step forward in the NRC’s vision to modernize rail transport. This station provides passengers with state-of-the-art facilities and improved access, further reducing travel time, alleviating road congestion, and fostering regional economic activity.
As of March 2024, the Lagos-Ibadan rail line had successfully operated for 1,000 days, transporting over 2 million passengers. Supported by CCECC’s technical expertise and workforce development initiatives, the railway continues to strengthen Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
NRC’s achievements reflect a broader shift in Nigeria’s transport sector, with rail services playing a pivotal role in sustainable development. Recent expansions, such as additional weekend trips and freight services, demonstrate the NRC’s commitment to meeting growing demand while contributing to economic growth and job creation.
This progress reinforces the role of rail transport as a reliable and efficient backbone for national connectivity and economic transformation.