The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the transportation of cattle by rail to begin soon from northern to southern Nigeria
NRC Managing Director Fidet Okhiria shared this update during an interview on Wednesday.
This announcement follows President Bola Tinubu’s creation of a new ministry for livestock development. Okhiria stated that cattle and other goods will soon be transported along the Warri-Itakpe rail route.
The NRC had previously halted cattle transport by train in 2017 due to technical issues. However, Okhiria mentioned that within one to two months, herders will be able to use the Warri-Itakpe train services for cattle movement.
The NRC is modernizing goods transportation in Nigeria, allowing goods to be moved by rail from the north to Warri in the South-South region. Okhiria revealed that new wagons designed for livestock are being assembled in Kajola, Oyo State.
“We’ve constructed 15 livestock wagons, and they will be operational between Itakpe and Warri within the next month or two, boosting the economy,” he added.
Okhiria emphasized that railway investments should focus on social and economic benefits rather than direct financial profit.
He explained that the real profit lies in enhanced goods movement and city connectivity, ultimately benefiting the economy and improving public welfare.
