The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced plans to revive the Osogbo–Dagbolu–Erunmu and Idogo rail corridors as part of a renewed effort to expand freight transportation in Nigeria and strengthen economic activity across Southwest Nigeria. The project, undertaken in partnership with the Southwest Development Commission (SWDC), focuses on restoring operations on previously dormant railway routes to boost agricultural logistics and improve regional connectivity.
According to NRC officials, the reactivation of these rail lines is expected to enhance the movement of agricultural produce from key farming communities to major markets, particularly Lagos, which remains a central hub for food distribution and consumer goods. The corridor will equally support return freight, allowing essential goods to move from urban markets back to rural areas, thus establishing a balanced, efficient, and cost-effective supply chain system.
The initiative is projected to reduce transportation costs for farmers, traders, and agribusiness operators while minimizing post-harvest losses and improving delivery timelines. By shifting a significant volume of freight from road to rail, the project is also anticipated to reduce road congestion, lower highway maintenance pressure, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall logistics and transportation infrastructure.
The Southwest Development Commission will operate parts of the corridor under a profit-sharing arrangement with NRC. This partnership structure is made possible by recent railway reforms that now permit state institutions and private-sector stakeholders to participate in railway operations in Nigeria, creating new opportunities for infrastructure growth and economic expansion.
Analysts expect the reactivation of the Osogbo–Dagbolu–Erunmu and Idogo routes to stimulate commercial activity across Osun, Ogun, and Oyo states. The revived corridor is likely to generate new opportunities in agriculture, commodity trading, storage facilities, haulage services, and local commerce. It is also expected to support job creation through expanded operations, freight handling, and warehouse logistics.
The NRC noted that this development forms part of a broader national agenda to reposition rail transport in Nigeria, optimize existing railway assets, and increase freight capacity across the country. Once operational, the restored corridor will become a major route for moving agricultural commodities in the Southwest, enhancing market access, supporting food distribution, and contributing to sustainable economic development in the region.
