Traxport Rail Services Granted Provisional Rail Operating Licence in Nigeria

Traxport Rail Services Ltd has been granted a Provisional Rail Operating and Track Access Licence by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), marking an important milestone in the company’s development and in the gradual opening of Nigeria’s rail sector to structured private sector participation.

The licence authorises Traxport to operate rail services and access rail infrastructure across Nigeria’s narrow and standard gauge rail networks, positioning the company to begin developing commercial freight operations across key economic corridors.

This development reflects the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Railway Corporation to modernise the country’s rail system and create new operational frameworks that allow private sector companies to contribute to expanding capacity, improving efficiency, and strengthening rail logistics across the country.

Traxport commends the leadership of Dr. Kayode Opeifa and the management team of the Nigerian Railway Corporation for advancing a renewal strategy aimed at revitalising rail transport, strengthening institutional capacity, and enabling new commercial models for rail operations in Nigeria.

The company’s rail freight platform is designed to align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON, which prioritises infrastructure development, improved logistics efficiency, economic growth, and increased private investment in critical national infrastructure.

As Traxport progresses toward full operating licence status, the company is focused on building an integrated rail logistics platform that will:

• Enhance freight movement along key economic corridors

• Reduce congestion and heavy truck traffic on Nigeria’s highways

• Improve supply chain reliability for industry and trade

• Deploy cleaner locomotive technologies that support Nigeria’s energy transition goals

By leveraging modern rail logistics solutions and strategic partnerships, Traxport aims to support Nigeria’s transition toward a more efficient, commercially sustainable, and environmentally responsible rail transport ecosystem.

Initial operations will focus on the Lagos – Kano rail corridor, one of Nigeria’s most important economic routes for freight movement and industrial supply chains.

Traxport remains committed to working closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, government stakeholders, technical partners, and investors to deliver safe, efficient, and scalable rail freight services that contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

Further updates will be shared as the company progresses toward commercial operations and the expansion of rail freight services across Nigeria.