The Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) has secured a provisional Rail Operating and Track Licence from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of efforts to establish a regional rail transportation system across the South-West.

The proposed rail project aims to reconnect previously inactive and underserved rail corridors while introducing a modern network designed to improve mobility and economic activities within the region.

According to the commission, the planned rail grid will span 44 cities across the six South-West states — Lagos State, Ogun State, Oyo State, Osun State, Ondo State and Ekiti State.

The initiative is expected to strengthen regional integration by improving the movement of passengers and goods across the South-West corridor. Officials also believe the rail system will support industrialisation, boost supply chain efficiency, and open up fresh investment opportunities within the zone.

The commission described the provisional licence as a major milestone toward the execution of the project, adding that additional regulatory clearances and infrastructure development stages would follow in the coming phases.