NRC, Enugu collaborate to speed up Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail project
The Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has said the Enugu-Port Harcourt railway project is already receiving attention as one of the top priority projects of the Federal Government (FG).
While assuring that the project had been getting a fair share of the national budget, the MD commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his transformational initiatives, saying the governor’s investment in infrastructure was already rubbing off on the people’s standard of living.
Opeifa, who stated these when he led a delegation of senior Management team of the NRC on a working visit to the Government House, Enugu, explained that he was in the state to reaffirm Management’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the state government in areas of mutual interest.
He pledged continuous synergy with the state to revamp the Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail line on the Eastern Corridor since there were increasing demands for it by the people, who were mostly into business and trading.
“The whole essence of this visit is to deepen our relationship and collaboration with the state government under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah. I also want you to know that the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Enugu City shared a common history,” he added.
He further said that Enugu under Mbah was doing what the corporation was watching out for in terms of the enabling infrastructure such as the transport terminals that the Corporation was poised to take advantage of.
“Enugu State is doing what the Nigerian Railway is looking forth to. The building of road transport terminals by the administration is what we are trying to take advantage of in our railway corridors. I came to discuss about it. The discussion has been on. So I only came to affirm it.
“I have eyes, I can see. I have ears, I can hear. So, when I entered this city, I see myself the difference this administration is making. I can hear from those who live here for longer.
“Seriously speaking, this is a different kind of government. He is a business man. He knows what he wants and he doesn’t see obstacles or challenges. He just faces what he wants to do and that is why you can see him achieving all these.
“Meanwhile, he told me that what we call much is actually that little, saying that many, many more will come and I believe him,” Opeifa noted.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu had already issued a directive to the corporation to fashion out mutual relationship with the state and work out initiatives that would engender a seamless transportation for economic prosperity.
While enjoining the state to take advantage of the Eastern Line, once completed, the MD further appealed to the governor to strengthen security around their assets, which had come under vandalism by notorious scraps dealers.
Governor Mbah, on his part, said that Enugu had an inextricable history with the NRC dating back to the discovery of coal and the subsequent shipping of the coal to Port Harcourt in 1918, using the rail transport.
He expressed delight over the efforts of the Management to revitalise the NRC and restore it to its glorious days, recalling that the revitalisation of the Eastern Railway Corridor was one of the demands made by South East leaders and also approved by President Bola Tinubu during his visit to Enugu earlier in the year.
He further explained that efforts were also in top gear by the state and other states in the region to create a common market, which required the provision of certain enablers such as seamless rail system to fast-track trades, revealing also the administration’s plan for an intra-rail system that would also link the major lines by the NRC.
He pledged to support the NRC’s clinic to function optimally and also protect the Corporation’s facilities against acts of vandalisation and encroachment.
NRC, Enugu collaborate to speed up Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail project
Oyetola, VP’s aide, Opeifa to drive discussions at 2026 TCAN Transport Summit
LAGOS – Nigeria’s drive to build a more efficient and integrated transportation system will take centre stage on September 24 as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr Segun Obayendo, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, have confirmed their participation in the 2026 Transportation Summit organised by the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN).
Their participation is expected to provide a major boost to the annual summit, which has evolved into one of the country’s foremost platforms for discussions on transportation policy, infrastructure development, logistics and sustainable mobility.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Growth Through Transportation Logistics,” will bring together policymakers, regulators, transport operators, industry leaders, development partners, academics and other stakeholders to chart practical pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s logistics ecosystem and accelerating economic growth.
Participants will examine the current state of the nation’s transportation architecture across the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors, while identifying solutions to the bottlenecks hindering seamless movement of passengers and cargo.
Discussions will also focus on multimodal transport integration, investment opportunities within the logistics and supply chains, digital transformation, infrastructure financing, and public-private partnership initiatives.
TCAN Chairman, Mr Tola Adenubi, said the summit would equally review regulatory frameworks needed to improve operational efficiency and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global logistics industry.
According to him, the confirmation by Oyetola, Obayendo and Opeifa underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in driving reforms that will reposition the nation’s transport sector.
Oyetola is expected to deliver the keynote address, outlining the Federal Government’s agenda for the marine and logistics sector, ongoing reforms, infrastructure investments and policies aimed at improving intermodal connectivity, boosting port efficiency and strengthening the country’s logistics value chain.
Obayendo will provide insights into the transportation and logistics components of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting key reforms and their impact on national economic development.
Opeifa, on his part, will present updates on the railway modernisation programme, operational improvements, rail safety, passenger and freight services, and the expanding role of the Nigerian Railway Corporation in supporting economic growth.
Expressing optimism over the calibre of participants, Adenubi said the summit would offer stakeholders a rare opportunity to engage directly with key government officials shaping Nigeria’s transportation future.
“We are delighted that the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr Segun Obayendo, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, have accepted our invitation to participate in the 2026 TCAN Summit.
“Their presence will provide participants with first-hand insights into the Federal Government’s vision for the transport sector while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between policymakers, industry operators and the media,” he said.
Beyond the keynote sessions, the summit will feature presentations by government agencies and leading players across the transportation and logistics value chain, alongside networking sessions designed to strengthen collaboration across the road, rail, maritime, aviation and multimodal transport sectors.
As part of the event, TCAN will also recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s transport industry through its “Champion of Transport Industry Development” compendium.
The summit is scheduled to hold on September 24, 2026, at Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Oyetola, VP’s aide, Opeifa to drive discussions at 2026 TCAN Transport Summit
NRC, Police Intensify Crackdown on Railway Vandals as Opeifa Pushes for Tougher Asset Protection
Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has vowed to strengthen the Corporation’s partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to combat vandalism and safeguard Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, following the recent arrest of three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of stolen materials valued at about ₦200 million.
Opeifa made the pledge on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
He described the nation’s railway infrastructure as a strategic national asset that must be protected from criminal activities capable of disrupting rail operations and undermining the Federal Government’s investments in the sector.
Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola, Opeifa said the NRC would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that all suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
The NRC boss praised the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism, vigilance and swift response, which led to the arrest of the three suspects during an intelligence-led operation.
The suspects were intercepted while allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos, with the recovered items estimated to be worth about ₦200 million.
Describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism, Opeifa said the success underscored the value of sustained collaboration between the Corporation and security agencies in protecting critical public infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the Corporation’s resolve to deepen cooperation with the police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and relevant stakeholders to curb vandalism, theft and sabotage across the country’s railway network.
Opeifa also appealed to members of the public to support the campaign against railway vandalism by providing credible and timely information that could help security agencies prevent attacks on railway facilities.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable rail transportation while working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure,” he said.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, called on the National Assembly to review existing laws on vandalism of critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for offenders.
He warned vandals and other criminal elements to stay away from Oyo State, assuring that the Command would continue to track, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of public infrastructure.
Abimbola added that the three suspects and the recovered railway materials would be handed over to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
The renewed security collaboration comes as the NRC intensifies efforts to protect rail infrastructure amid ongoing investments by the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s railway network and improve the safety and reliability of rail transport nationwide.
From left (front row), Assistant Director (Materials Management), Mr Ole Apia Isaa; Director of Operation &Commercial, Mr Akin Oshinowo; Director of Finance, Margaret Ikefe; Director Civil Engineering & New Lines, Engr Adekunle Ayeni; Director of Admin & Human Resources, Dr Monsurat Omotayo; Director of Legal & Secretary to Board of NRC, Obiorah Emedolibe; Director of BuPED, Oyekunle Oyewole; Deputy Director, Mechanical, Engr Habeeb Alaka; Director of Medical Services, Dr Hope Iloka, and Deputy Director, Corporate Planning, Mr Sunday Eluede, with other management staff members of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) at the Standard Operating Procedure review and adoption which took place at Mitros Residences, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Photo: NRC Media
NRC Begins Major Operational Reset with Review of 150 Standard Procedures
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has launched a comprehensive review of more than 150 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a major push to improve safety, operational efficiency, accountability and service delivery across Nigeria’s railway network.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day Executive Standard Operating Procedure Review and Familiarisation Retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Opeifa said the exercise would provide the Corporation with practical and enforceable operational guidelines capable of reducing risks, standardising procedures and driving excellence across all departments.
Represented by the Head of the Business Process Efficiency and Due Diligence (BuPED) Desk, Mr. Oyekunle Oyewole, the NRC boss stressed that the initiative was central to the Corporation’s transformation agenda.
According to a statement by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, Opeifa described an SOP as more than a bureaucratic requirement.
“An SOP is not bureaucracy. It is a practical document that tells every member of staff—from the track to the boardroom—what to do, how to do it, and who is responsible,” he said.
He noted that well-designed SOPs would strengthen operational efficiency, enhance safety standards and align the Corporation’s operations with global best practices.
Opeifa urged directors and other participants to critically assess the existing procedures and produce documents that reflect the realities of a modern railway system.
“Review with the eye of a leader. Challenge existing gaps and own the solutions. Let us leave here with SOPs that are practical, enforceable and fit for the railway we are building today,” he charged.
The retreat, which commenced on Wednesday aboard the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service conference coach en route to Abeokuta, brought together directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, management staff and members of the BuPED team.
In his opening remarks, Oyekunle disclosed that over 150 SOPs were being reviewed to build a stronger, more efficient and better-coordinated organisation.
He added that increased collaboration among departments would improve teamwork and accelerate the Corporation’s transformation.
The Managing Director’s Technical Adviser on Train Operations, Mr. Adeife Akin Olukolade, described the SOP as a living document that must evolve with the changing demands of railway operations.
Drawing from more than two decades of railway experience across three continents, he expressed confidence that codifying the procedures would usher the NRC into a new era of operational excellence.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Oshinowo, said the review would help reduce operational incidents, improve efficiency, ensure consistency in service delivery, strengthen compliance with established standards, guarantee value for money and promote a proactive work culture where employees perform their duties with minimal supervision.
He assured participants of management’s commitment to providing the necessary support for the successful implementation of the reviewed SOPs and embedding them into the Corporation’s operational culture.
The Director of Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Monsurat Omotayo, who presented the first technical paper on the role of capacity building in implementing SOPs, emphasised continuous staff training, effective leadership, a strong compliance culture and performance measurement as critical to successful implementation.
During the interactive session, participants underscored the importance of strict adherence to the SOPs by all categories of staff.
The Director of Civil Engineering and New Lines, Engr. Adekunle Ayeni, stressed that attitudinal change and effective consequence management would be key to successful implementation, advocating a balanced system of rewards for compliance and sanctions for violations.
The Managing Director’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communication, Mr. Adeyinka Aderibigbe, described the retreat as a milestone, expressing optimism that the final document would become a benchmark for railway operators and service providers across the industry.
Similarly, the Deputy Director of Finance, Alhaji Abdullah, said the exercise marked the first time the Corporation would have a comprehensive operational document developed through the collective input of key departments, making it practical, inclusive and implementable.
The review covered SOPs for the Corporate Planning, Medical, Finance, Legal, Internal Audit, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Procurement, Operations and Commercial, Civil Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Signal and Telecommunications (MEST), and Human Resources departments.
Closing the retreat, Dr. Omotayo thanked participants for their robust contributions and urged them to sustain the momentum as the Corporation moves to the implementation phase of the revised operational framework.
NRC Begins Major Operational Reset with Review of 150 Standard Procedures
