By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recorded a significant boost in earnings during the first quarter of 2025, generating ₦1.95 billion in passenger revenue.
This represents a substantial 37.36 percent increase compared to the ₦1.42 billion earned in the corresponding period of 2024, according to the latest Rail Transportation Report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report, published on October 5, indicated a steady rise in rail patronage nationwide. A total of 929,553 passengers were transported between January and March 2025, marking a strong 37.65 percent increase from the 675,293 passengers recorded in Q1 2024.
Freight operations also posted improved performance during the period, with the volume of goods conveyed by rail rising to 181,520 tons, up from 160,650 tons in Q1 2024. Correspondingly, freight revenue climbed by 8.19 percent to ₦657.03 million, compared to ₦607.32 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
In addition to passenger and freight earnings, the report highlighted a sharp surge in other receipts, which include income from leasing, station fees, and other service charges. These receipts totaled ₦115.68 million, representing a massive 355.39 percent jump from the ₦25.40 million realized in Q1 2024.
For context, the NBS noted the performance in the preceding quarter, Q4 2024. During that period, the rail system transported 1,037,113 passengers, a 54.29 percent rise from Q4 2023 figures. Passenger revenue for Q4 2024 stood at ₦1.92 billion, an increase from ₦1.07 billion a year earlier. However, Q4 2024 saw freight revenue decline slightly by 7.46 percent to ₦391.64 million, with only ₦8.93 million realized from pipeline transportation of 1,260 tons of goods.
The report attributed the continued growth in passenger numbers and overall earnings to increasing public confidence in rail transport. This confidence is driven by the Federal Government’s sustained investment in modern railway infrastructure and the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s service expansion efforts.