NRC Plans Rail Electrification from Lagos–Warri Within Five Years

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced plans to electrify key rail corridors in Nigeria, including the Lagos–Warri railway route, within the next five years as part of a broader modernization strategy for the country’s rail system.

According to the NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, the initiative is part of the corporation’s long-term development framework aimed at improving efficiency, reducing operating costs, and transitioning the rail sector toward cleaner energy systems. The plan involves moving from diesel-powered locomotives to electric traction, which is expected to significantly enhance train speed, reliability, and environmental sustainability.

The electrification effort will particularly affect major rail corridors such as Lagos–Ibadan and Warri–Itakpe, which serve as critical transport routes for passengers and freight. The project is expected to support Nigeria’s broader economic development by strengthening logistics networks and reducing pressure on the country’s road infrastructure.

As part of the transition strategy, the NRC is also exploring the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as an interim power source for trains while the full electrification infrastructure is being developed. This approach would allow trains to generate electricity from gas, ensuring more stable and cost-effective operations along corridors where gas supply infrastructure is available.