What Lagos-Ibadan modern double-track standard-gauge means to Africa

By our correspondent

The Lagos-Ibadan Railway, undertaken by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited, is arguably the first modern double-track standard-gauge railway in the West Africa.
It serves as a crucial component of the ECOWAS’ “Interconnectivity” railway network and represents the second phase of Nigeria’s railway modernization project.
As the flagship project of Sino-Nigerian practical cooperation, the Lagos-Ibadan Railway adheres to Chinese railway standards and achieved the fastest construction pace by Chinese enterprise in the West Africa.
In June 2021, the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, connecting Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos, with the industrial center of the southwest, Ibadan, officially commenced commercial operations.
To date, it has safely transported over 1.33 million passengers. Recently, the railway introduced dedicated freight services, establishing a vital link between the port and rail, thus expediting the flow of import and export goods, alleviating port congestion, and contributing significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s largest port, the Lagos Apapa Port. It also plays a key role in promoting the development of export-oriented economies in the surrounding areas.
Throughout the project’s construction and operational phases, a strong commitment to local engagement has resulted in the direct creation of a minimum of 5,000 employment opportunities within the local community each year and indirectly supporting the employment of at least 20,000 individuals.
The Lagos-Ibadan Railway project has also made substantial efforts in talent development, offering training in various roles related to engineering construction and railway operations, facilitating the transfer of professional expertise, and CCECC has organized hundreds of training sessions to contribute to the cultivation of talent for Nigeria’s railway modernization.