In north-central Nigeria’s Plateau State, a refurbished intra-city rail line is offering much-needed relief to residents struggling with soaring transportation costs following the federal government’s removal of petrol subsidies in 2023.
The revitalized rail system, launched by local authorities in Jos, the state capital, has quickly become a lifeline for commuters seeking affordable travel options. At just 20 US cents per ticket, the train service provides a stark contrast to the current price of petrol, which stands at around 53 cents per liter.
A Return to the Rails
The Jos train terminal, once quiet, is now bustling with activity as residents flock to the rail service to avoid steep fuel and bus fares. “When we were kids in the 70s and early 80s, the trains were active. But after some time, they stopped running—until recently,” one commuter told reporters. “This revival is timely, especially now that fuel subsidies are gone, and transportation has become very difficult.”
The removal of petrol subsidies in 2023 led to a dramatic surge in transport costs, with intracity bus fares jumping by over 90%, according to data firm Intelpoint. The spike has constrained mobility, disrupting the movement of people, goods, and services across Nigeria.
Government Efforts and Expansion Plans
Plateau State officials say they have invested in repairing vandalized rail tracks, though the exact cost remains undisclosed. The current rail service operates four daily trips across Jos, with designated stops. However, critics argue that the route is limited, failing to serve rural communities where transportation challenges are most acute.
In response, the state government is rehabilitating additional rail lines, with plans to expand services to agriculturally rich areas. “The primary goal is to provide alternative transport options to ease the pain caused by high fuel prices,” a government representative said.
Mixed Reactions and Future Hopes
While many commuters praise the initiative, some residents await further expansions before they can benefit. “We look forward to more rail tracks being added so that commuting becomes easier for everyone,” said one hopeful resident.
As Nigeria grapples with the economic fallout of subsidy removals, the revival of Plateau State’s rail network offers a glimpse of how strategic infrastructure investments can mitigate hardship—one train ride at a time.
