A United Kingdom–based transport expert, Hon. Olumuyiwa Adesua, has outlined measures he believes can help Nigeria rebuild and sustain an effective rail network, stressing that maintenance culture and private sector involvement are key to success.
Adesua, who serves as deputy chairman of the UK chapter of the APC, spoke after joining a diaspora delegation on an inspection visit to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road. Drawing from decades of experience in the UK transport sector, he said the highway and the proposed rail line along the route could transform economic activities across southern Nigeria and improve regional connectivity within West Africa.
He explained that rail transport creates employment at multiple levels, from construction and engineering to signalling, ticketing, safety operations and maintenance. According to him, building long rail corridors engages thousands of workers, while continuous maintenance sustains jobs long after construction is completed.
Adesua warned that without a strong maintenance structure, major infrastructure projects risk rapid decline. He noted that in the UK, rail services are sometimes deliberately paused to allow engineers carry out routine checks, repairs and upgrades to keep the system efficient throughout the year. He urged Nigerian authorities to adopt a similar approach and consider laws that make maintenance compulsory for public projects.
Speaking on urban transport, he said expanded train services would significantly reduce traffic congestion in Lagos because trains can move far more passengers at once than buses. With more locomotives and shorter intervals between trips, he said pressure on the roads would reduce over time.
He also called for the engagement of experienced Nigerians in the diaspora who have worked for years in established rail systems abroad. Such professionals, he said, can transfer technical knowledge and mentor younger engineers entering the industry. He referenced the efforts of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority in developing rail services and noted that experienced personnel remain essential even with modern technology.
Adesua further advocated for stronger collaboration between government and private investors. He suggested a model where the government provides rail infrastructure while private operators manage train services under strict regulation. This, he said, would reduce financial pressure on the government while improving efficiency, service delivery and job creation.
He maintained that with the right policies, funding model and commitment to maintenance, Nigeria’s rail system can become a major driver of economic growth and youth employment.
