04/11/2025
A CALL FOR DAILY ÒṢOGBO/ÌBÀDÀN/LAGOS TRAIN SERVICE
The attention of the Osun State Government is urgently needed to facilitate discussions with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other relevant stakeholders on the need to make the modern trains operate daily between Òṣogbo and Ibadan/Lagos. This is not just a matter of convenience but a critical step towards improving mobility, boosting trade, and ensuring the safety of thousands of residents who travel these routes regularly.
The railway system remains one of the most efficient and reliable means of transportation, and its daily operation from Òṣogbo would greatly enhance economic activities and regional connectivity.
Over the past few years, the Òṣogbo–Ìbàdàn–Lagos road has become increasingly unsafe due to worsening conditions and rising cases of insecurity. Reports of road accidents, armed robbery, and kidnapping along the route have continued to instill fear among commuters. Many residents, business owners, and travelers are now reluctant to make frequent trips, leading to reduced business interactions and slower economic growth. This growing insecurity underscores the urgency of having a safer, affordable, and more dependable transportation option through the railway system.
The poor condition of the roads also adds to the hardship faced by motorists and passengers alike. Constant traffic congestion, bad portions of the highway, and the high cost of vehicle maintenance make road travel both stressful and expensive. For a state like Ọ̀sun, strategically located at the heart of the Southwest, improving access to the railway network would not only ease the burden on the roads but also attract more investors and visitors to the state. The ripple effect on tourism, logistics, and commerce would be substantial.
Introducing a daily Òṣogbo–Ìbàdàn/Lagos train service will also align with broader goals of sustainable transportation. It would reduce carbon emissions, lower travel costs, and decongest the highways. More importantly, it would promote regional integration and give Òṣogbo residents greater access to business, education, and healthcare opportunities in larger cities like Ìbàdàn and Lagos. The state government’s active involvement in championing this initiative would demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and progress of its people.
We therefore call on the Ọ̀sun State Government to engage the leadership of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Federal Ministry of Transportation to make this vision a reality. Òṣogbo deserves to be fully connected to the national railway grid through regular, modern train services that run daily to major cities. It is time to prioritize safety, comfort, and economic development by making rail transportation a viable alternative for the people of Ọ̀sun State.
Signed: Management
Inside Òṣogbo
