Six States Account for Entire N578.75 Million Railway Transport GDP in 2023

According to the latest report from the (NBS), only six states were responsible for the entirety of Nigeria’s railway transport Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, which stood at ₦578.75 million.

Lagos State emerged as the top contributor with ₦268.31 million, accounting for 46.4% of the sector’s total output. Oyo State followed with ₦63.96 million (11.1%), while both Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) contributed ₦55.50 million each, representing 9.6% apiece. Delta and Kogi States each recorded ₦28.55 million, contributing 4.9% respectively.

The NBS also highlighted that several states which had previously recorded railway transport activity including Yobe, Abia, Rivers, Kano, Niger, Adamawa, Edo, and Taraba showed no contribution in 2023.

Industry analysts suggest that this highly concentrated distribution underscores the uneven development of railway infrastructure and operational services across Nigeria. They emphasize that expanding rail networks could stimulate economic inclusion, alleviate road transport congestion, and foster broader regional growth.

In response, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has indicated plans for future expansion. Managing Director Kayode Opeifa confirmed that the federal government is advancing new projects aimed at connecting additional regions in the South-West, South-East, and North-East, with the objective of extending the economic benefits of rail transport to more states.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola