This study critically examines the role of railway transportation in the socio-economic development of Nigeria. It investigates how government investment in railway infrastructure, public awareness, and technological innovation contribute to key economic indicators such as job creation, trade facilitation, business growth, and income levels. Using a structured questionnaire based on a four-point Likert scale, data were collected from 293 respondents across various sectors. The study employed Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses to evaluate the relationships between variables. Findings reveal a strong positive and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) between railway infrastructure investment and economic development. Furthermore, regression analysis shows that government investment (β = 0.58), public awareness (β = 0.29), and technological adoption (β = 0.35) are significant predictors of economic progress, with the model explaining 65% (R² = 0.65) of the variance in economic development. The results underscore the critical importance of sustained investment, innovation, and public engagement in the railway sector as strategic tools for national development. The study recommends policy reforms and increased funding to modernize and expand Nigeria’s railway system for improved economic outcomes.
