Nigeria’s Rail Transport Records Strong Growth in Q1 2025
Nigeria’s Rail Transport Records Strong Growth in Q1 2025
According to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s rail transport sector experienced a significant rebound in the first quarter of 2025, driven by steady passenger growth and increased freight movement.
Passenger Traffic Up by 37.65%
Between January and March 2025, a total of 929,553 passengers travelled through Nigeria’s rail network. This marks a 37.65% increase from the 675,293 passengers recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. The growth reflects the continued recovery and confidence in rail as a safe and affordable mode of transport across major corridors, particularly Abuja–Kaduna, Lagos–Ibadan, and Warri–Itakpe.
Cargo Volumes and Revenue Performance
The volume of goods transported by rail also increased. In Q1 2025, 181,520 tonnes of cargo were moved, compared to 160,650 tonnes in Q1 2024. This represents a year-on-year growth rate of 12.99%, underscoring the role of rail in supporting Nigeria’s logistics and trade supply chains.
Revenue from passenger services reached ₦1.95 billion, reflecting a 37.36% rise from ₦1.42 billion recorded in the same quarter of 2024. Similarly, revenue generated from goods and cargo transport rose by 8.19%, totalling ₦657.03 million, up from ₦607.32 million a year earlier.
Other Receipts Surge by Over 350%
In addition to passenger and cargo earnings, other receipts, including station services, onboard sales, and ancillary revenue saw growth. The NBS reported ₦115.68 million in Q1 2025, a sharp increase of 355.39% compared with ₦25.40 million during the same period in 2024.
Sustained Momentum
The data highlights the improving operational efficiency of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the continuing impact of government investments in modern rail infrastructure. With expanding passenger demand and a growing freight base, the sector is poised to remain a key contributor to Nigeria’s transport diversification and economic development objectives.