NRC seeks state backing for railway police, unveils plan to electrify rail lines

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has called for stronger collaboration between state governments and the railway police, warning that safeguarding rail infrastructure is central to protecting Nigeria’s mobility corridors and sustaining economic growth.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a flagship programme on Channels Television, on Saturday, Opeifa said the railway police currently operate in 26 states and should be treated by state governments as an integral part of their local security architecture.

According to him, rail lines cut across multiple states and serve as critical national assets whose protection requires coordinated security efforts beyond federal agencies alone.

“The security of railway infrastructure is tied to the security of our mobility corridors,” he said, urging state authorities to actively support the Railway Police to prevent vandalism and other threats to the network.

Drawing from his experience as a former commissioner in Lagos, Opeifa recalled how Railway Police personnel once assisted the state government during the cleanup of the Oshodi transport hub, describing it as an example of how inter-agency collaboration can protect strategic public infrastructure.

“The history of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is the history of Nigeria itself,” he said, noting that the challenges facing the rail system often mirror broader national development issues.

Opeifa traced the current wave of railway modernisation to 2015, when the country began shifting from narrow gauge to modern standard gauge rail lines under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He noted that several landmark rail projects were delivered during that period, including the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, Warri–Itakpe line, Abuja Rail Mass Transit and the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, while work also began on the ambitious Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor.

The NRC boss also highlighted the constitutional amendment that moved railway from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, saying the reform has opened the door for states such as Lagos, Kano, Ogun and Plateau to participate more actively in rail development.

He disclosed that the corporation has developed a national rail map that shows how emerging state rail projects can connect with the national rail network to create a more integrated transport system.

As part of its long-term strategy, Opeifa revealed that the NRC plans to electrify major rail corridors within the next five years, starting with Warri and Lagos where gas resources could support power generation for electric train operations.

He said electrification would improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and align Nigeria’s railway operations with global best practices.

Beyond infrastructure expansion, the NRC chief also addressed operational challenges such as ticket racketeering, attributing the problem largely to high passenger demand.

To curb the practice, he said the corporation has introduced a double verification process for passengers—one check at the waiting area and another during boarding—which has significantly reduced illegal ticket sales.

Opeifa further assured travellers that security on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor remains strong, noting that train operations and station activities are monitored from a central control room. He added that the corporation plans to replicate similar monitoring systems on other routes.

In response to rising passenger traffic, he disclosed that the number of daily trips on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service has been increased to three.

Looking ahead, Opeifa said the corporation is also exploring ways to harness the tourism and entertainment potential of railway services, promising that the NRC will continue expanding operations while positioning rail transport as a key driver of national integration and economic development.

Jetour shakes Compact SUV segment with loaded X50

Jetour Nigeria says its aim at introducing the current X50 model is to disrupt the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in the nation’s automobile market. And that it s currently doing.

The Jetour X50 stands out as a feature-rich compact SUV, designed to deliver a high level of safety, technology and comfort for everyday driving.

Built with a strong focus on occupant protection, the vehicle is equipped with multiple airbags for the driver and passengers, ensuring all-round safety while on the road.

Supporting these passive safety features are advanced electronic systems that enhance stability and control. Vehicle Stability Control helps the SUV remain balanced in challenging conditions, while the Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Hold system improve ease of use in traffic and during parking.

Driver confidence is further boosted by the availability of a 360-degree surrounding camera and parking sensors, which provide improved visibility in tight spaces.

To address common on-road safety concerns, the X50 incorporates a range of intelligent driver-assistance features. Blind Spot Detection reduces the risk of unseen vehicles, while Lane Change Assist and Rear Traffic Alert offer added protection during lane changes and reversing.

Additional security features such as automatic door locking, an alarm system and power windows contribute to peace of mind.

Inside the cabin, comfort and convenience take centre stage. Smart entry with a push-start button simplifies vehicle access, while selectable drive modes—Eco, Normal and Sport—allow drivers to adapt performance to different driving conditions.

Cruise control adds extra comfort on longer journeys.The infotainment system features a 10.5-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity, voice command, phone mirroring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity on the move.

A wireless charger keeps devices powered without cables. Premium interior appointments include leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, an electric sunroof option and a six-speaker audio system.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission, offering a balance of responsive performance and fuel efficiency.

With its aerodynamic design and practical five-seat layout, the Jetour X50 combines modern features with everyday usability, backed by reliable after-sales support and technical assistance.

Its accredited dealers spread across Nigeria are Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.

BBA Motors unveils Zeekr 9X in Lagos, delivers first unit to D’banj

Nigeria’s luxury automobile market witnessed a major shift on Friday as BBA Motors ushered in a new era of electric mobility with the unveiling of the Zeekr 9X in Lagos — the first time the premium electric SUV is appearing anywhere in Africa.

The high-profile launch, held at the company’s newly opened intelligent flagship showroom, signalled the arrival of a new generation of high-end electric vehicles in Nigeria’s fast-evolving automobile landscape.

Adding glamour to the event, the first Zeekr 9X delivered in Nigeria was handed over to Nigerian music icon D’banj, symbolising the formal entry of the luxury electric SUV into the country’s growing premium mobility segment.

The unveiling attracted a diverse audience of business leaders, financial and leasing executives, ride-hailing partners and notable guests, including development economist Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka.

BBA Motors said the launch not only introduces cutting-edge electric mobility to Nigeria but also positions the country as a strategic gateway for advanced new-energy vehicles in West Africa while strengthening automotive trade ties between Africa and Asia.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BBA Motors, Rebecca Jia, described the showroom opening and Zeekr 9X debut as a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy in Nigeria.

“In the Nigerian market, our core mission is to bring world-class Chinese automotive products and thoughtful localized services to local users,” Jia said.

“The debut and first delivery of the Zeekr 9X is a key move for us to enter the high-end new-energy vehicle segment and expand our product offerings.”

She added that the company plans to offer Nigerians a wide range of mobility solutions — from everyday commuter vehicles to luxury models — while supporting fleet procurement, leasing and maintenance services for corporate organisations and ride-hailing platforms.

The Zeekr marque is a premium electric vehicle brand under Geely Holding Group and has gained global recognition for its advanced battery technology and intelligent driving systems.

At the Lagos unveiling, product specialists said the Zeekr 9X had been specially optimised for African conditions, including Nigeria’s rugged road terrain and high-temperature climate.

The all-electric SUV features a high-capacity ternary lithium battery capable of delivering up to 560 kilometres of pure electric driving range and a combined range of about 1,250 kilometres. With ultra-fast charging technology, the battery can charge from 30 to 80 per cent in about 28 minutes.

Engineers also equipped the vehicle with a dual-motor intelligent all-wheel-drive system producing 310 kW of power and 680 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in just over four seconds.

To handle Nigeria’s varied road conditions, the SUV comes with reinforced chassis architecture and a ground clearance of 185 millimetres, allowing it to navigate both urban roads and rougher terrain.

Inside, the Zeekr 9X offers a luxury cabin fitted with Nappa leather aviation-grade seats, panoramic digital displays, and a multi-screen intelligent cockpit powered by an AI-driven voice interaction system.

The vehicle also features advanced driver assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane centring, automatic parking assist, blind-spot monitoring and 360-degree panoramic imaging.

At the highlight of the ceremony, Jia handed the keys of the first Zeekr 9X delivered in Nigeria to D’banj, who said the vehicle’s technology and the company’s localized support services influenced his decision.

Industry observers say the launch could signal the early expansion of premium electric vehicles in Nigeria, where interest in sustainable mobility solutions is gradually rising alongside the growth of the country’s high-end automotive segment.

BBA Motors, which focuses on the import and distribution of China-manufactured vehicles, said it plans to expand its service network nationwide while introducing more electric and hybrid models tailored to African markets.

The company added that the Lagos showroom will serve as a hub for sales, after-sales service, fleet solutions and ride-hailing partnerships as it seeks to position itself as a leading gateway for new-energy vehicles in Nigeria.