The House of Representatives has taken steps to accelerate the separation of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of a broader initiative to deregulate the sector and attract private sector investments. The recent shift of railway development from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list now empowers state governments to build and manage their own railway infrastructure.
Blessing Onuh, Chairperson of the House Committee on Land Transport, made this announcement during a visit to the NRC’s Lagos facilities. Onuh, representing the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency and the daughter of former Senate President David Mark, indicated that a bill for the NRC’s unbundling is currently before the House. The bill has successfully passed its first reading and is anticipated to advance to a second reading soon.
“This reform aims to open the sector to private investors and encourage public-private partnerships, which will drive the development of our rail system,” Onuh stated. She highlighted the importance of an efficient railway network for Nigeria’s socio-economic progress and assured that her committee will back the necessary legislative measures to support the rail industry.
During the tour, Onuh and her committee members observed various operational units within the NRC. NRC Managing Director Fidet Okhiria raised concerns about power shortages that have delayed the activation of the Alex Ekwueme Control Tower. He assured that efforts are in progress to secure a stable energy supply and backup system to ensure effective monitoring across the railway corridor.
