South-West Development Commission secures regional rail licence

The South-West Development Commission (SWDC) has secured a provisional licence to operate passenger and freight rail services across existing railway corridors in South-West Nigeria. Managing Director Dr. Charles Akinola announced the development during a stakeholder meeting in Ibadan, noting that the commission will collaborate with Odu’a Investment Company Limited and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.

The initiative aims to connect Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and agricultural products between industrial and commercial hubs. The commission clarified that the licence allows for the operation of services on existing narrow-gauge and standard-gauge tracks via the Nigerian Railway Corporation, rather than authorizing the construction of an entirely new network from scratch.

Beyond rail, the SWDC is exploring broader infrastructure projects, including energy security initiatives and an integrated road transportation system. Plans include constructing a road to link Ore in Ondo State to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and establishing a South-west infrastructure development fund to supplement federal funding.