Rail transformation on Abuja–Kaduna route excites NIPR delegates 

Members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have applauded the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s rail system, describing it as a clear sign of renewed confidence in public transport under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Opeifa at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

The commendation came on Monday as hundreds of NIPR members travelled aboard the Abuja–Kaduna train to attend the Institute’s Annual General Meeting in Kaduna.

The journey itself became a moving testament to the rail sector’s resurgence, with fully booked coaches buzzing with networking, reunions and professional camaraderie.

Delegates from across the country, particularly from the southern states, converged on Abuja before boarding the train alongside their counterparts from the Federal Capital Territory.

For many, the decision to travel by rail was both practical and symbolic—a vote of confidence in the improving fortunes of the NRC.

Inside the coaches, the atmosphere was said to be lively. Old colleagues reconnected, new relationships were forged, and passengers commended the professionalism and efficiency of NRC staff.

Many described the experience as seamless and refreshing, noting that with the right leadership, public institutions can deliver quality service.

While praising the progress recorded so far, the NIPR members called on the Federal Government to deepen investment in rail infrastructure.

They stressed that sustained funding is critical, given the capital-intensive nature of railway operations, and expressed confidence that such investments would yield strong economic returns.

Among dignitaries on board were the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha, Oba Dr. Jacob Adetayo Haastrup; President of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Chief Tony Akiotu; and media veteran, Dr. Mohammed Kudur Abubakar.

Oba Haastrup particularly commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Opeifa as NRC Managing Director, noting that his performance within a year highlights the corporation’s potential as a driver of economic growth.

Lagos NIPR Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, said the coordinated rail trip was also influenced by safety considerations and served as a deliberate endorsement of the NRC’s ongoing reforms.

He urged the government to extend rail connectivity to more parts of the country, providing Nigerians with reliable alternatives to road travel.

The NRC delegation to the conference was led by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, alongside the MD’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mr. Yinka Aderibigbe.

The Kaduna conference, which runs until April 24, is expected to equip communication professionals with fresh insights and innovations in public relations practice.

It also serves as a precursor to the World Public Relations Conference scheduled to hold in Abuja later this year, where global stakeholders will converge to address emerging challenges in the profession.

FG pushes high-speed train, expands rail links to seaports

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to modernise Nigeria’s rail system, setting up a high-speed rail committee and approving the expansion of rail connections to key seaports to boost cargo movement and ease logistics bottlenecks.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this at the quarterly stakeholders’ engagement of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council.

In a statement by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, Opeifa said the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had constituted a committee on high-speed rail development to drive initiative.
He disclosed that the Federal Government was seeking private sector participation in this regard.
The NRC boss also emphasised that seamless rail-port integration remained critical to unlocking the full benefits of ongoing maritime reforms.

Opeifa warned that investments in port infrastructure, including deep seaports, would continue to yield limited returns without efficient rail connectivity to move cargo inland.
He noted that while collaboration between the corporation and port authorities had improved—particularly under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu—significant gaps remain in cargo evacuation from ports, especially in Lagos and along the eastern corridor.

He identified persistent bottlenecks in rail freight operations and called for targeted interventions to improve efficiency, stressing that a shift towards rail-based cargo movement is essential for a more reliable and cost-effective logistics system.

Highlighting ongoing and planned projects, Opeifa said the Federal Government has approved the extension of the Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge rail line to Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. He added that the Warri–Itakpe line would be linked to Warri Port, while the eastern narrow gauge is set to connect the Port Harcourt Port at Onne.

He further disclosed plans to link the Lagos–Kano western line to Baro Port, as part of a broader strategy to integrate all major ports into the national rail network.

On project updates, the NRC boss said the Kaduna–Kano rail corridor is nearing completion, while efforts are underway to connect existing rail lines directly to ports to reduce congestion and improve cargo evacuation.

He also revealed plans for a new rail line to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, expected to pass through Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu to Kajola, where it will link with the Lagos–Ibadan line. The project, he said, is likely to commence this year.

Describing rail connectivity to ports as a key driver of economic growth, Opeifa urged stakeholders, including truck operators, to support the initiative, noting that road transport would continue to play a complementary role in last-mile delivery.

He also called for the expansion of freight yards across both narrow and standard gauge lines to enhance cargo handling capacity and overall efficiency.

The stakeholders’ meeting brought together key players in the maritime and rail sectors to align strategies and strengthen collaboration towards building a more integrated and efficient national transport system.

British Museum, Oxford experts visit NRC Legacy Museum, seek heritage partnership

A delegation of experts from the British Museum and University of Oxford has visited the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Legacy Museum, opening discussions on potential international collaboration to preserve and revitalise Nigeria’s railway heritage.

The familiarisation tour was led by Paul Bagu, alongside Mrs. Julia Hudson, as the team assessed the museum’s historical assets and conservation needs.

During the visit, the delegation toured key sections of the facility, including the iconic Old Running Shed, home to ageing locomotives and vintage coaches that reflect Nigeria’s rail transport evolution.

The experts expressed strong interest in restoration efforts, stressing the urgency of preserving the artefacts through technical support and global partnerships.

Describing the museum as a critical archive of Nigeria’s industrial past, Bagu noted that it holds “immense cultural and historical value,” adding that collaboration in conservation, restoration, and knowledge exchange would be vital to safeguarding the assets for future generations.

A major highlight of the tour was the historic coach used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria.

The delegation pointed to the shared railway history between Britain and Nigeria as a strong foundation for deeper institutional partnerships.

“The historical links between Britain and Nigeria’s railway development present a unique opportunity to build enduring collaborations that celebrate this shared heritage,” Bagu said.

Drawing parallels from West Africa, he referenced a successful railway heritage initiative in Freetown, where sustained efforts by local enthusiasts have helped revive a once-dormant museum.

He urged similar grassroots commitment in Nigeria to complement institutional support.

President of the Legacy Museum Railway Compound, Mr. Taye Olaniyi, welcomed the delegation, describing the visit as a validation of the museum’s growing relevance.

He also acknowledged the contributions of retired NRC director, Mr. Nate Adediron, to the development of the facility.

“We are honoured to host our distinguished guests. Their visit underscores the importance of global partnerships in advancing our vision of making the NRC Legacy Museum a leading railway heritage centre in Africa,” Olaniyi said.

Providing technical depth to the engagement, Engr. Dr. Quadri A.T., Assistant Director (Mechanical) at NRC, briefed the visitors on the operation and maintenance of both legacy and modern locomotives.

His presentation highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve historical assets while aligning with contemporary rail development standards.

The delegation also explored thematic exhibits covering railway administration, Nigeria’s political evolution, and transitional milestones in national development—elements that reinforce the museum’s educational value.

Commending the initiative, Bagu encouraged greater public engagement, particularly among young Nigerians, to ensure long-term sustainability of heritage preservation efforts.

The visit concluded with the presentation of certificates to key contributors and institutions, followed by a group photograph session.

The engagement marks a significant step toward international collaboration and strengthens efforts to position the NRC Legacy Museum as a premier railway heritage destination in Africa.