11. Repositioning the Nigerian Rail System for Global Competitiveness: Tackling the Noisome Peculiarities

This chapter x-rays the moribundity of the Nigerian rail system. It posits that despite the huge potential of and acknowledged substantial benefits attributable to rail transport, the Nigerian rail system struggles in operations and patronage dynamics terms. Thus, the country is not reaping the full benefits its rail system could have fetched had it been globally competitive. The chapter contends that most of the culprits behind the fiasco of the Nigerian railway system are largely peculiar. They include the self-serving colonial heritage, lack of coordination in the transport sector, poor financing (partly consequent upon the overconcentration on road infrastructure), low speed (attributable to moribund operations technologies and obsolete facilities), unsustainable ownership structure, inefficiency and systemic corruption, sabotage, encroachment and obstructive human activities, safety and security issues (including terrorism), equity issues, passé energy options, substance abuse among passengers, illegal passage (stowing-away and rooftop riding inclusive), and other irresponsible behaviours. The manifestations of these issues are vividly discussed along with their implications. The chapter contends that the problems have far-reaching consequences for the performance rating of the Nigerian railway system. Consequently, towards holistically fixing the problems and facilitating the repositioning of the Nigerian railway system to make it comply with the best global practices in contemporary railway system dynamics, a quadripartite approach consisting of structural, administrative, financial, and operational overhauling is proffered.