November 27, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The South West Development Commission (SWDC) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to commence the development of an integrated railway network that will link major cities and economic hubs across the six states of the South-West region.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, marks a significant step in the region’s long-term plan to strengthen transportation infrastructure and improve inter-state connectivity. Under the MoU, both agencies will collaborate on designing, expanding and connecting railway lines across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States, with the goal of easing movement of people, goods and services.
According to the SWDC, the rail project will be jointly financed through a combination of the Commission’s statutory funding and a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which is expected to attract substantial private investment. The financing structure, officials say, is designed to ensure sustainability, reduce dependence on federal allocations and accelerate delivery.
The collaboration will cover route mapping, engineering designs, feasibility studies, and harmonisation of existing and proposed rail corridors to ensure that the regional network aligns with national rail development plans. It also includes provisions for future expansions to industrial clusters, agricultural belts and emerging economic zones within the South-West.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, representatives from both SWDC and NRC described the initiative as a transformative infrastructure project that will boost regional integration, support trade, decongest roads and enhance economic competitiveness.
They added that the partnership will leverage the technical experience of the NRC and the regional development mandate of the SWDC to deliver a modern rail system capable of supporting passenger and freight movement.
