Our Goal is to Electrify Major Rail Lines Within Five Years, Says Opeifa

Sunday Ehigiator

In a major policy announcement, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has declared that the corporation is working towards electrifying most of Nigeria’s major rail lines within the next five years.He revealed this ambitious plan during an interview on the latest edition of ‘The Exchange Podcast’, hosted by Femi Soneye.

Opeifa identified electrification as a key strategy to combat the rampant vandalism plaguing the system. He stated unequivocally that an electrified line serves as a powerful deterrent, as “if you move close, it will roast you up.”This stark warning underscores the security benefits of moving beyond diesel-powered locomotives.The NRC is pursuing a collaborative model to achieve this goal.

Opeifa disclosed that the corporation is in active talks with the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) and other gas companies to develop gas-powered systems that would generate electricity for the rail stations and, subsequently, the tracks themselves.The initial focus for electrification would be on the high-traffic corridors, including Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Kano, and the Port Harcourt-Warri-Ajaokuta lines. Electrifying these lines would not only secure them but also significantly increase their efficiency, speed, and environmental friendliness.

Opeifa contrasted the vulnerable current state of non-electrified lines with the Lagos Blue Line, which is electric. “Nobody is going on the Blue Line in Lagos because it’s electric,” he noted, highlighting how technology can effectively protect infrastructure.The shift to electricity also aligns with global best practices, reducing carbon emissions and transitioning the rail system towards cleaner energy sources. This is part of a broader vision to make Nigerian railways more sustainable and modern.

The plan involves a phased approach. In the next two years, the NRC aims to identify and electrify at least one line as a pilot project. The success of this project would then provide a blueprint for the rapid roll-out of electrification across the network.

This initiative is not without its challenges, primarily funding and technical expertise. However, Opeifa expressed confidence in the capacity of in-house engineers and the potential for international partnerships to bridge these gaps.

The electrification project is seen as a critical enabler for the future high-speed rail services that the government envisages. Electric trains are capable of higher speeds and greater efficiency than their diesel counterparts, which is essential for inter-city travel.

Opeifa’s announcement signals a strategic long-term vision for the Nigerian rail system, moving it from a vulnerable, aging network to a modern, secure, and efficient one that can compete with global standards.

The implementation of this plan will be a key performance indicator for the current administration and the NRC management. Its success would represent a transformative leap for Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.

As the details of the funding and implementation timeline are finalised, stakeholders will be watching closely. The electrification of Nigeria’s railways is a monumental task, but one that Opeifa and his team believe is achievable within the stated timeframe.