Nigeria expands rail and port projects to improve transport

The Nigerian Federal Government has announced several major infrastructure projects aimed at creating an integrated transport system to reduce reliance on road networks. Speaking at the 19th National Council on Transportation in Abuja, Permanent Secretary Olufunso Adebiyi highlighted that expanding rail, water, and air transport will decrease highway congestion, extend the lifespan of roads, and improve safety by reducing accidents.

Key railway developments include the nearing completion of the Kaduna–Zaria–Kano line, expected to open by December, and progress on the Kaduna–Daura–Katsina and Kano–Dutse routes. The government aims to shift heavy cargo from roads to rail; for instance, a single train recently moved 33 forty-foot containers to the Ibadan Dry Port, effectively removing 33 trailers from the Lagos-Ibadan road.

In addition to rail, the government is working on port improvements, including the reconstruction of the deck at Apapa Port and the automation of port operations to reduce congestion. The Federal Executive Council has also approved the development of a Smart National Transport Data Bank to enhance sector management.