Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, Engr. Dr. Freeborn Okhiria, has called on sub-national governments and the private sector to capitalize on the recent constitutional amendment allowing railway construction and operation to be managed at multiple government levels. He made this appeal as a guest lecture on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Lagos State University’s School of Transport and Logistics.
Delivering the lecture titled “From Exclusive Clause to Concurrent List: Potency for Sustainable Rail Infrastructure in Nigeria and the Lagos State Example,” Engr. Okhiria emphasized the importance of phased railway development, cautioning against the rush to complete large-scale projects within a single government tenure. “Rail projects should be undertaken incrementally. With a deliberate policy of constructing 20km annually, significant progress can be achieved over time,” he stated.
He praised Lagos State for its proactive approach to rail development, highlighting its initiation of the blue rail line project even before the new law was enacted in 2023. The NRC boss also urged other states and private entities to engage with the NRC to explore investment opportunities while maintaining high standards.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions with Ogun State to extend the red rail line through Agbado and Mowe, which aims to facilitate the commute for Lagos workers living in Ogun State. He assured citizens of the government’s dedication to completing the blue rail line promptly and called for public patience.
Hon. Osiyemi also highlighted the state’s holistic approach to transport sector development, mentioning the establishment of the Lagos State Government Professorial Chair of Transport Studies, which hosted the guest lecture. “This endowment reflects our commitment to developing the transport sector comprehensively,” he said, congratulating the Professorial Chair, Professor Bamidele Badejo.
Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Prof. Adenike Boyo, emphasized the necessity for other states to emulate Lagos by investing in rail transport to drive economic prosperity.
“Empowering states to invest in rail infrastructure not only enhances citizens’ lives by reducing travel time but also accelerates overall economic development,” she remarked.
Prof. Bamidele Badejo, the Endowed Professorial Chair, noted the significance of this role, the first of its kind in Africa. He underscored the lecture’s aim to foster private sector involvement in accelerating rail infrastructure delivery.