Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) generated ₦1.7 billion in revenue from passenger and cargo services in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The NBS report, released on Friday, revealed a 13.83% increase compared to the ₦1.49 billion recorded in Q3 2023. Revenue from goods and cargo rose to ₦412.57 million from ₦217.6 million in the same period last year, while other receipts over the past nine months totalled ₦34.7 million.
Passenger numbers increased significantly, with 743,205 passengers recorded in Q3 2024, marking a 25.05% rise from the 594,348 reported in Q3 2023.
For goods and cargo, the NRC transported 96,401 tons in Q3 2024, up from 69,003 tons in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
An additional 7,320 tons of goods were moved via pipeline, lower than the 12,960 tons recorded in Q3 2023.
Revenue from pipeline transport dropped to ₦51.85 million, down from ₦69.18 million in the same period last year.
The NBS also reported that other receipts decreased by 70.84% in Q3 2024, totalling ₦34.77 million compared to ₦119.22 million in Q3 2023.
Separately, on December 3, NRC spokesperson Yakub Mahmood announced plans for special train services during the festive season.
“This initiative aligns with the federal government’s directive to enable citizens to enjoy the holidays,” Mahmood stated, adding that details and commencement dates will be shared soon.