Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s railway transportation system following the Federal Government’s decision to make budgetary provisions for the modernisation and concession of key rail corridors, including the strategic Abuja–Baro–Itakpe line and the Aladja–Warri Port segment.
The development comes months after the lawmaker embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of the Ujevwu–Itakpe Train Service and later raised concerns on the floor of the Senate over recurring derailments, operational disruptions, and safety challenges affecting the corridor.
Senator Dafinone disclosed that on Monday, July 7, 2025, he personally boarded the Ujevwu–Itakpe train alongside members of his team in order to assess firsthand the condition of the rail infrastructure and identify operational difficulties confronting passengers and railway authorities.
According to the senator, the inspection tour exposed several issues affecting the smooth operation of the rail line, including concerns over aging infrastructure, maintenance challenges, and the urgent need for expansion and rehabilitation.
He explained that following the inspection, he strongly advocated for the extension of the rail line from Itakpe to Abuja, stressing that such a move would significantly improve national connectivity, facilitate easier movement of people and goods, and create greater economic opportunities across the country.
Dafinone noted that the rail corridor remains one of the nation’s critical transportation assets capable of driving economic growth, promoting trade, and easing the pressure on Nigeria’s road network if properly managed and expanded.
The senator further stated that his concerns over the state of the rail line prompted him to sponsor a motion on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, where he drew national attention to the recurring derailments and suspension of services along the Ujevwu–Itakpe rail corridor.
During the Senate session, Dafinone called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the condition of the rail infrastructure, emphasizing the need for immediate government intervention to prevent further deterioration of the corridor.
He also urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate vandalised portions of the rail infrastructure and implement stronger safety measures aimed at protecting passengers and railway facilities.
According to him, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the safety of commuters are essential steps towards restoring public confidence in the railway transportation system.
The senator stressed that a functional and reliable rail network would not only reduce transportation costs but also improve commercial activities, encourage regional integration, and stimulate economic development in communities connected by the rail line.
One of the key aspects of the motion, according to Dafinone, was his call for the extension of the Itakpe rail line to Abuja in order to establish a more strategic national rail connection linking different regions of the country.
He explained that extending the line would help ease long-distance travel, reduce travel time for passengers, and support the movement of agricultural produce, raw materials, and industrial goods between various economic hubs.
Dafinone expressed satisfaction that the Federal Government had now responded positively by making provisions in the 2026 Budget for the engagement of technical and financial experts to facilitate the concession and modernisation process of the Abuja–Baro–Itakpe rail line and the important Aladja–Warri Port segment.
He described the inclusion of the rail projects in the national budget as a major milestone in efforts aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s railway sector and improving transportation infrastructure across the country.
According to the senator, the budgetary provision demonstrates government’s recognition of the strategic importance of rail transportation in driving sustainable economic development and national integration.
The lawmaker also highlighted additional provisions contained in the 2026 Budget, including plans for the installation of electrical and water supply infrastructure along parts of the rail corridor.
He revealed that the budget also covers the construction of protective fencing along railway corridors in Abraka and Oruwhorun on the Itakpe–Ajaokuta–Aladja rail line.
Dafinone explained that the fencing project would help reduce vandalism, improve security around railway facilities, and ensure safer operations along the corridor.
He added that protecting railway infrastructure from criminal activities and encroachment remains vital to the long-term sustainability of rail transportation in Nigeria.
The senator noted that modern rail infrastructure has become increasingly important for economic growth globally, adding that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in the development of efficient transportation systems capable of supporting industrialisation and trade.
According to him, improved railway connectivity would encourage investments, create jobs, boost tourism, and reduce the burden on highways that have suffered years of heavy usage by cargo transporters.
Dafinone further maintained that the revitalisation of the rail sector would provide safer and more affordable transportation alternatives for millions of Nigerians while also contributing to environmental sustainability through reduced dependence on road transportation.
He commended the Federal Government for responding to the concerns raised through legislative advocacy and expressed optimism that the planned modernisation and expansion projects would positively transform the nation’s transportation landscape.
The senator reaffirmed his commitment to continuing to advocate policies and projects that would enhance infrastructure development, improve connectivity, and promote economic prosperity for Nigerians.
Observers believe that the renewed attention being given to the Abuja–Baro–Itakpe rail line and the Aladja–Warri Port segment could significantly improve logistics, transportation efficiency, and economic activities across several states once completed.
Stakeholders in the transportation sector have also welcomed the move, describing it as a critical step toward building a safer, more modern, and economically viable railway network capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
With the Federal Government’s latest budgetary commitment, many Nigerians now hope that the revitalisation and expansion of the nation’s railway system will move from planning to implementation, thereby delivering lasting benefits to commuters, businesses, and the economy at large.
