By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has urged the European Union, development finance institutions, investors and technology providers to partner Nigeria in accelerating the decarbonisation of the country’s railway sector through sustainable investments.
Opeifa made the call on Thursday 25, June 2026, while speaking at the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum on Sustainable Transportation and Global Gateway Opportunities for Partnerships.
While Addressing participants on the theme, “Accelerating Nigeria’s Rail Decarbonisation Journey Through Sustainable Investments,”he said
stronger international partnerships were essential to modernising Nigeria’s railway system, achieving the country’s climate goals and unlocking economic growth.
Describing rail transportation as a strategic national asset, the NRC boss said investment in the sector extends beyond infrastructure, with far-reaching benefits for economic growth, environmental sustainability, regional integration and social inclusion.
“Rail transportation is not merely an infrastructure investment; it is a strategic national asset that promotes economic growth, environmental sustainability, regional integration and social inclusion,” he said.
He noted that rail remains one of the cleanest and most energy-efficient modes of transportation, stressing that expanding Nigeria’s railway network would cut carbon emissions, reduce highway congestion, lower logistics costs, improve passenger mobility and stimulate industrial and commercial activities nationwide.
Opeifa said the corporation was implementing reforms to modernise rail infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, strengthen freight services and attract increased private sector participation through sustainable investment models.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation is committed to building a modern, efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable railway system.
We are pursuing reforms that will strengthen rail infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, enhance freight services and attract greater private sector participation through sustainable investment models,” he stated.
He identified the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative as a major opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s partnership with international stakeholders, saying the corporation was ready to collaborate on railway modernisation, green technologies, renewable energy integration, digital rail systems, capacity building and innovative financing.
“The European Union’s Global Gateway initiative presents a unique opportunity to deepen collaboration between Nigeria and our international partners. We welcome partnerships that support railway modernisation, green technologies, renewable energy integration, digital rail systems, capacity building and innovative financing that will unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s railway sector,” Opeifa said.
The NRC chief described sustainable transportation as an urgent necessity, noting that sustained investment in rail infrastructure would help Nigeria meet its development priorities and global climate commitments.
“Sustainable transportation is no longer an option; it is a necessity,” he declared.
He, therefore, invited investors, development finance institutions and strategic partners to support efforts to build a resilient, competitive and low-carbon railway network capable of driving inclusive economic development.
“Together, we can accelerate Nigeria’s rail decarbonisation journey, strengthen regional connectivity, create jobs, facilitate trade and build a more sustainable future for our nation,” he added.
Opeifa also expressed appreciation to the European Union, organisers of the Nigeria–EU Business Forum and other stakeholders for providing a platform to advance dialogue and partnerships on sustainable transportation.
