The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is making concerted efforts to improve train turnaround time, enhance cargo movement, and address the growing issue of vandalism. Speaking in Ibadan,Angelique Ikwuka, NRC’s District Manager (West), highlighted ongoing developments within the Western District, which spans Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and parts of Niger states, and operates both narrow and standard gauge lines.
While the standard gauge line now handles the bulk of passenger traffic with some services even experiencing overcapacity during peak hours the narrow gauge line continues to play a critical role, especially in weekly cement deliveries to Ilorin, although service can be disrupted during heavy rains that damage tracks.
Embracing technology
To streamline operations and improve passenger experience, NRC introduced an e-ticketing system in November 2023, managed by GSD Solutions. This has significantly reduced long queues at stations and encouraged digital bookings, similar to the Abuja-Kaduna corridor. Trains currently run twice daily from Sunday to Thursday and three times on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate higher weekend demand.
Freight services remain active at Dugbe Station in Ibadan, with container and cement traffic flowing regularly. Containers arrive every two days and return with goods to the ports. NRC is actively engaging industries to adopt rail transport to reduce road congestion, and while some companies have responded positively, logistical challenges, such as port transfers, continue to affect costs.
One key priority is reducing the Lagos-Ibadan travel time to 90 minutes, making rail transport more competitive with road travel. However, while Ibadan services are relatively uninterrupted due to the absence of level crossings, Lagos operations face delays from frequent road-track intersections and non-compliance with safety protocols by the public.
To improve accessibility, NRC has reinstated all station stops, including the Olodo station in Ibadan, and continues to educate commuters about the benefits of using nearby stations for convenience and time-saving.
Despite improved security at stations, vandalism along the tracks remains a major concern. Ikwuka urged communities to view railway infrastructure as a collective asset and to assist in reporting suspicious activity. Some local communities are already cooperating with NRC in surveillance efforts.
She also expressed concern over non-compliance with safety protocols, citing a recent incident involving a passenger who refused ticket verification until law enforcement intervened. Looking ahead, NRC plans to extend the standard gauge service to Ilorin. Current trains are already equipped with modern features including onboard nurses and trial-phase Wi-Fi, aimed at enhancing overall passenger experience.