Nigerian Railway Corporation grants Lagos permanent rail operating license, ending 128-year monopoly
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has issued a Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, allowing it to operate rail services on a shared corridor. This marks a significant shift in Nigeria's rail transport sector, as the NRC had been the country's sole railway operator for 128 years since 1898. Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the NRC, described this as a pivotal moment, transitioning from a monopoly to a more collaborative and regulated railway system. He noted that the partnership between NRC and Lagos State Government dates back to April 2012, when former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks for the development of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line. The Red Line began passenger operations on October 15, 2024, following its inauguration by President Bola Tinubu. The permanent license follows a temporary one granted earlier and allows Lagos State to operate other rail systems in line with international standards. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of LAMATA, stated that this approval will enable more frequent train services and increased passenger capacity on the Red Line. LAMATA plans to expand daily Red Line services to 24 by the fourth quarter of 2026, with each new train set capable of carrying at least 2,000 passengers per trip. She also mentioned that LAMATA currently operates 94 daily trips on the Blue Line. Opeifa encouraged other state gov
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Nigeria's urban logistics landscape is undergoing a transformation, with bicycle couriers becoming an increasingly common sight in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan. This resurgence is driven by rising fuel prices, worsening traffic congestion, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce. While a relatively small part of the informal economy, industry observers note it is among the fastest-growing segments of Nigeria's gig workforce, largely propelled by food delivery apps and online shopping platforms. For many riders, typically young men aged 18 to 35, the job provides income, helps finance education, and serves as a stepping stone for future ambitions. Unlike conventional dispatch riders, bicycle couriers rely on pedal power, allowing them to navigate traffic and access narrow streets, making them effective for short-distance deliveries. The profession has historical roots in Nigeria, dating back to the colonial era for transporting messages and official correspondence. The low entry barrier, with the main expense being a bicycle costing between N50,000 and N120,000, makes it an accessible option for unemployed graduates, students, and school leavers. Technology, including AI and automated dispatch systems, has also improved task allocation fairness. Riders often receive weekly payments, which helps them manage expenses and plan for the future. Despite challenges like heavy rainfall and poor road infrastructure, bicycles offer advantages such as speed, ma
According to statistics released by the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS on Tuesday, 1,271 offenders are currently serving non-custodial sentences across Nigeria. This total includes 1,137 males and 134 females. Community service is the most common non-custodial measure, with 1,038 offenders, comprising 992 males and 46 females. Additionally, 12 offenders are on parole nine males, three females, and 34 are serving probation sentences 30 males, four females. The NCoS data also indicates that 162 offenders are participating in restorative justice programs 84 males, 78 females, and 25 are under other non-custodial measures 22 males, three females. Overall, males constitute approximately 89 percent of the non-custodial population. The non-custodial service, introduced under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, aims to decongest custodial centers by offering alternatives to imprisonment such as community service, probation, parole, and restorative justice. This reform replaced the Nigerian Prisons Service framework and aligns with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ACJA 2015. Implementation began in phases, with the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos among the first to adopt these measures, which have since expanded to states like Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Lagos, and Plateau.
Must ReadFuel marketers in Nigeria have warned they will cease petrol sales nationwide if the Federal Government attempts to enforce price controls. This warning from Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN, follows remarks by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil, Heineken Lokpobiri. The minister stated that while petrol prices are deregulated, regulators must still protect consumers from exploitation, especially as crude oil prices have fallen without a corresponding decrease in gantry prices. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also expressed concern over potential consumer exploitation. Lokpobiri urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA to prevent profiteering. However, Ukadike denied allegations of profiteering, citing losses incurred by marketers due to recent price reductions by the Dangote refinery. He argued that the government should investigate the root causes of high prices and boost competition by ensuring local refineries are operational and encouraging more importation. Ukadike emphasized that market forces of demand and supply should determine prices in a deregulated market. Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria PETROAN, acknowledged the minister's power to intervene but stressed the importance of consulting with all stakeholders. He suggested a meetin