ASSESSING COMMERCIAL VIABILITY OF RAIL TRANSPORT OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Rail transport in Nigeria has suffered serious neglect for the past two and half decades by the Government of Nigeria. However, in 2012 the Federal Government started the process of revamping the rail transport system in order to make it more operational. Through this effort, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC); the Agency responsible for infrastructure development and operation of rail services resumed rail operations in 2012. This study therefore examines commercial viability of rail passenger and freight operations using its operation data from 2012 to 2014. The results of data analysis showed that rail transport operations presently are not commercially viable. The NRC ran its operation at an average annual loss of 58.3% for passenger operation and 32.8% for freight operation. However, it is revealed that increase in the operational capacity of NRC will enhance the commercial viability of rail services in the country. It is therefore suggested that rail operational capacity should be increased by providing more locomotives, wagons, coaches and improving its operational efficiency.