In 1893 the British colonial government began construction of a narrow gauge rail line between Lagos and Ibadan, via Abeokuta. Construction of Baro—Kano Railway started in 1907, finished 1911.
The Lagos-Ibadan Line was extended to Minna, to join Baro-Kano, and create Lagos-Kano.
The Lagos-Ibadan Line was extended to Minna, to join Baro-Kano, and create Lagos-Kano.
Meanwhile this interesting excerpt from Dele Olojede’s Ten Big Ideas Essay from 2015. Sokoto’s Error. Clearly rail had hugely Transformational impact on Nigerian geography. It’s the reason why obscure places like Kaura Namoda and Kutiwenji got a shot at national renown. 
I recall Kaura Namoda popped up in one big GEJ Speech, years ago. I think that was his 2010 declaration speech for the Presidency.
As for Kutiwenji, Nigerians of a certain generation use it to embody the ends of the earth.
As for Kutiwenji, Nigerians of a certain generation use it to embody the ends of the earth.
Just watch what’s going to happen with the new Lagos Ibadan Rail, the SGR. And Itakpe-Warri SGR. Tiny, obscure towns are going to get a lease of life. They gon blow big, because they’re home to Stations on the routes. Papalanto, Kajola, Agenebode, Igbanke, Eganyi etc...
Anyone familiar with Abeokuta-Ibadan Road (I’ve passed that road hundreds of times) will know towns like Olodo & Omi-Adio. Now those 2 have Stations on the #LagosIbadanRail SGR. Now it makes sense for say a University to open up in one of those places, banking on the rail access.
