By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has urged Chinese and other international investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s expanding railway infrastructure, with calls for collaboration in key areas such as power supply systems, advanced security solutions, and real-time monitoring technologies.
Speaking at the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) in Macao, China, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, extended an open invitation to global partners to invest in Nigeria’s railway sector, describing the country as a strategic gateway to regional connectivity across Africa.
Senator Alkali stated that the Nigerian government is committed to sustainable rail transport development, including efforts to retrofit locomotives with hybrid propulsion systems powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which aligns with the country’s green energy objectives.
“Infrastructure is not just about tracks and trains,” the Minister said. “To ensure our railway system performs at its best, investment is also required in dedicated power supply schemes, integrated security architecture, and real-time monitoring systems. These are sectors primed for private-sector involvement and public-private partnerships.”
He acknowledged China’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, praising it as a reliable partner in transformative infrastructure projects.
“We welcome deeper collaboration with China and others, not just to build railways, but to create platforms for economic growth, social progress, and long-term stability. Nigeria is more than a market. It is a launchpad for pan-African logistics and trade,” Alkali stated.
He added that the current cooperation between both nations has already produced visible results, citing the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway Project as a flagship initiative under Nigeria’s railway modernisation agenda. The project, executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), has been divided into segments for phased development.
“The Abuja–Kaduna section, completed in 2016, has become a vital transport link in northern Nigeria. The Lagos–Ibadan segment, launched in 2021, is now driving commerce between our economic capital and the interior. Construction on the Kaduna–Kano segment is ongoing and recording progress, despite funding constraints,” he said.
Alkali stressed the urgency of completing the remaining leg of the corridor: the Ibadan–Minna–Abuja stretch. Once concluded, the route will offer a continuous connection from Lagos to Kano, reducing logistics costs, bolstering regional trade, and strengthening trans-African transport networks.
“We appeal to our Chinese counterparts to offer continued financial and technical support for this critical link,” he said. “We are also eager to engage new strategic partners to initiate further railway corridors nationwide.”
He outlined several major projects that have completed feasibility studies and are ready for investment, including:
- Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Railway with branch lines (2,163km)
- Aba–Owerri–Nnewi–Onitsha–Awka–Enugu–Abakaliki Corridor (254km)
- Kano–Nguru–Gashua–Damaturu–Gamboru-Ngala Line (740km)
- Lagos–Ibadan–Abuja High-Speed Rail Line (605km)
- Illela–Sokoto–Jega–Yauri–Makera–Minna Line (408km)
- Zaria–Funtua–Gasua–Kaura Namoda–Sokoto–Illela–Birnin Koni Corridor (520km)
- Calabar–Ikom–Obudu–Ogoja–Wukari–Yola–Maiduguri Route
He further revealed that the government is offering concessions for existing narrow-gauge lines, such as the Lagos–Kano Western Line.
“These corridors cut across critical mineral zones, agricultural belts, and commercial hubs, offering significant investment returns to willing and capable partners,” the Minister noted.
Alkali concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration and infrastructure development, stating that the country remains open to mutually beneficial partnerships that will deliver long-term economic transformation.