The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has awarded a three-year licence to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to operate freight services on the Lagos-Ibadan standard-gauge railway line, effective until October 2027.
This authorisation marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s rail sector, as CCECC becomes the first company to be licensed for standard-gauge rail freight services in the country.
CCECC made the announcement on Friday via a tweet, which included a copy of the official licence certificate.
“New milestone for the Lagos-Ibadan Railway! CCECC has been officially authorised by the Nigerian Railway Corporation to operate railway services for the public carriage of goods, becoming the first company licensed to operate standard-gauge rail freight in Nigeria,” read part of CCECC’s tweet.
The accompanying document confirms the NRC’s authorisation, granting CCECC permission to operate the railway for the public carriage of goods from October 14, 2024 to October 13, 2027.
The licence document reads:
“TRAIN OPERATING LICENCE
(LAGOS – IBADAN STANDARD GAUGE)
“This is to certify that CCECC Having satisfied the conditions laid down by Nigerian Railway Corporation in the exercise of the Powers Vested on it by Nigerian Railway Corporation is hereby authorised to operate a railway for the Public Carriage of Goods from the 14th day of October 2024 to the 13th day of October 2027.”
This move aligns with the NRC’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and capacity of Nigeria’s railway system, particularly for cargo transport, which is expected to ease road congestion and reduce transportation costs.
Key Facts:
The Lagos-Ibadan Railway, built by CCECC, is a critical link between Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos, and the industrial city of Ibadan in the southwest.
Officially launched in June 2021, this 157-kilometre main line, along with a 7-kilometre branch line, is built to modern railway standards and supports speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour. The railway provides Nigeria with a safe and affordable means of transportation, boosting both passenger travel and cargo logistics by efficiently connecting port and inland areas.
According to CCECC’s website, the railway had safely operated for 1,000 days by 5 March 2024, transporting over 2 million passengers. CCECC has provided comprehensive support for the railway’s operations, from technical assistance to training programmes for local technical and managerial staff, directly creating job opportunities and developing a skilled workforce.
In a recent development, the NRC granted CCECC authorisation to operate freight services on the route.
This licence aims to maximise the railway’s economic benefits, providing businesses with a reliable, cost-effective logistics solution and stimulating further economic activity along the Lagos-Ibadan corridor.
