Nigeria’s rail transport sector recorded a strong performance in the first quarter of 2025, with total revenue rising by 37.36 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to ₦2.724 billion, up from ₦2.112 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2024.
The data, contained in the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report titled “Rail Transport Data Q1 2025,” shows significant growth in both passenger and freight operations across the country’s rail network.
Passenger Revenue Leads Growth
According to the NBS, income from passenger services rose sharply by 37.4 per cent, reaching ₦1.95 billion in Q1 2025 compared to ₦1.42 billion in the same period last year.
A total of 929,553 passengers travelled by rail during the quarter, an increase of 37.65 per cent from the 675,293 passengers recorded in Q1 2024.
“In Q1 2025, a total of 929,553 passengers travelled through the rail system, relative to 675,293 reported in the corresponding quarter of 2024, indicating a growth rate of 37.65 per cent,” the NBS said.
Cargo Revenue and Volume Also Up
The report further revealed that cargo revenue rose by 8.19 per cent year-on-year to ₦657.03 million from ₦607.32 million in Q1 2024.
During the same period, the volume of goods transported increased to 181,520 tons, compared to 160,650 tons recorded a year earlier, signalling a steady recovery in rail freight operations.
Other Income Skyrockets
The NBS added that other receipts which include earnings from ancillary services soared by 355.39 per cent, reaching ₦115.68 million in Q1 2025, up from ₦25.40 million in the corresponding period of 2024.
Rail Sector Recovery Gains Momentum
The latest figures highlight renewed momentum in Nigeria’s rail transport system, buoyed by improved operations, higher passenger turnout, and steady cargo movement across key corridors.
The growth also reflects government efforts to revitalise the railway network and enhance multimodal transport connectivity to boost trade and logistics efficiency nationwide.
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