Nigerian Railway Corporation Reports Significant Drop in Passenger Revenue for Q4 2025
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has disclosed a notable decline in its passenger revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Total revenue collected from passengers during this period amounted to N1.6 billion, marking a 16.3% decrease from the N1.92 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024.
Breakdown of Rail Transport Performance
The NBS report provides a detailed analysis of the rail sector's performance. The number of passengers carried by rail fell by 9.32% to 940,476 in Q4 2025, down from 1,037,113 in the same period of 2024. This reduction in passenger volume is a key factor contributing to the revenue decline.
In contrast, cargo movement showed improvement during the quarter. The volume of goods transported by rail increased to 110,480 tons in Q4 2025, compared to 94,750 tons in Q4 2024. Revenue generated from cargo transport also saw a slight rise, reaching N397.82 million, which reflects a 1.58% increase from the N391.64 million recorded in the previous year.
Other Financial Metrics and Operational Challenges
Other receipts for the NRC declined sharply, falling by 82.53% to N75.89 million in Q4 2025, from N434.44 million in Q4 2024. This highlights broader financial struggles within the corporation.
Nigeria's rail system continues to face significant operational challenges, including limited routes, inconsistent services, and safety concerns, which have adversely affected patronage and overall efficiency. In 2023, the NRC posted a net deficit of N26.4 billion despite generating N19.17 billion in revenue, underscoring persistent financial losses.
Historical data reveals further issues: the corporation lost approximately N1.04 billion on its eastern rail line between 2014 and 2019 due to non-operation, while dysfunctional freight services are estimated to cost about N500 billion annually.
Recent Developments and Government Initiatives
In a recent update, Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the NRC, announced the resumption of train services on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route following a disruption caused by a mechanical error. He assured passengers of improved safety and operational standards.
Additionally, the federal government's initiative to offer a 50% discount on train fares led to a surge in passenger traffic at railway stations across Nigeria. Major rail corridors experienced heavy turnout and near-full capacity operations shortly after the discount took effect, as confirmed by the NRC's spokesperson, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu.
This report is based on official data from the National Bureau of Statistics and statements from the Nigerian Railway Corporation, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of rail transport in Nigeria.
