The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Ogun government have agreed to collaborate on developing a more robust rail transport plan for the state.

The agreement was reached when Ogun’s commissioner for transportation, Gbenga Dairo, led a top management team from the ministry on a courtesy visit to NRC managing director, Kayode Opeifa.

This is contained in a statement by NRC on Friday, confirming that the meeting took place at its headquarters.

Mr Dairo highlighted Ogun’s ambitious rail development plan, emphasising its commitment to integrating rail transportation as a core part of its infrastructure strategy under the ISEYA framework.

The ISEYA mantra stands for Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth Empowerment, and Agriculture.

Mr Dairo stressed the state’s readiness to align its transport goals with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Plan, with the NRC playing a key role in this vision.

“A significant part of the plan focuses on Ogun State’s long-term goal of leveraging Standard Gauge Rail to improve goods transportation,” Mr Dairo said.

The commissioner added that the state envisions a rail system that facilitates seamless cargo shipments, boosting commerce, trade, industrialisation, and economic integration.

Responding, Mr Opeifa praised the Ogun ministry of transportation for its foresight and alignment with the federal government’s infrastructure agenda.

He encouraged Ogun to join NRC’s “Rail in the State” initiative, which supports state governments in developing, managing, and expanding viable rail networks.

“This initiative is progressing, with Plateau State set to launch its rail integration soon. Bauchi and Borno States are also in advanced discussions on their rail projects,” he said.

He urged Ogun to optimise its existing narrow-gauge corridor while integrating its plans with Lagos State’s Blue and Red Line projects.

Mr Opeifa assured the NRC’s commitment to providing full technical and operational support to position Ogun as a model for rail-driven economic transformation.

“We assure you that whatever support you need, we will provide at no cost. It is in the national interest that all states with train networks commence commercial operations like Lagos.

“The Tinubu administration, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, is determined to support states willing to develop rail infrastructure and mobility services.

“Our role at the NRC is to extend federal government investments to the states, enabling them to own and operate mass train services for their people.

“By working closely with Ogun, we aim to create an efficient and sustainable rail system to ease transportation, boost economic activities, and improve residents’ quality of life,” Mr Opeifa said.

(NAN)