Railway Rush! Over 800 Companies Battle For Nigerian Rail Contracts – NRC Stunned

A total of 803 companies have submitted bids for various contract opportunities with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for the 2025 fiscal year.

The NRC revealed the names of the bidding firms during a formal bid-opening ceremony held at its headquarters in Lagos. This marks a significant increase from the 524 companies that applied in 2024.

According to the Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the surge in interest can be attributed to the renewed confidence instilled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking through the Director of Medical Services, Albert Asowata, Dr. Opeifa noted that the new NRC leadership has launched several initiatives aimed at expanding the national railway network.

Naija News reports that the NRC was allocated ₦39.18 billion in the 2025 national budget, as approved by President Tinubu. The funding will support critical rail projects including the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan railway lines, alongside other works highlighted in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Additional budgeted projects include the rehabilitation of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail line, construction of 12 new station buildings, track laying at Agbor Ancillary Facilities, and the procurement of rolling stock, spare parts, and maintenance equipment to support ongoing modernization efforts.

“Our mandate has broadened significantly. Many new initiatives are in motion, including state-level rail collaborations. State governments across Nigeria are now aligning with the NRC’s railway goals,” Opeifa stated.

He also referenced the federal government’s recent announcement that the Kano-Maradi rail line will be completed by 2026, signaling a strong commitment to expanding Nigeria’s railway sector.

Dr. Opeifa assured all participating bidders that the selection process would be handled transparently, fairly, and efficiently by a competent team. He emphasized that priority areas this year include addressing washouts caused by heavy rainfall, especially in civil works, bridges, and culverts, to ensure safe and operational tracks nationwide.

Independent observers from organizations such as the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), the Nigerian Network of NGOs, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management were present to monitor the proceedings.