The Nation Newspaper

Category: Transportation

  • Reps direct committee to probe FRSC over driver’s licence revenue

    Reps direct committee to probe FRSC over driver’s licence revenue

    The House of Representatives yesterday directed its Committee on the Federal Road Safety to investigate operational issues pertaining to the issuance of driver’s licence, revenue generation, and usage across the country.

    The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Leader of the Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House, Victor Afam Ogene, at plenary.

    Ogene said there was an existing tripartite arrangement between the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the states’ Board of Internal Revenue (BIRs), and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) leading to the issuance or renewal of a driver’s licence.

    The lawmaker said the approving signature on a driver’s licence typically comes from a designated officer at the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) in the state where the licence application originated from.

    He said a learner’s permit for driving a vehicle is first issued at a prescribed fee by the MVAA in the relevant state before the release of a driver’s licence.

    Ogene said: “The FRSC operates a Very Important Person (VIP) centre, ostensibly for the renewal of a driver’s licence but which is reportedly being used for issuing fresh driver’s licences that are not preceded with a learner’s permit.

    “The Joint Tax Board (JTB) reviewed the fees payable for a five-year and three-year driver’s licence to N21,000 and N15,000, respectively, for a motor vehicle; N11,000 and N7,000, respectively, for a motorcycle or tricycle since November 1, 2024.

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    “The FRSC is alleged to use its Information Processing Centre (IPC) for warehousing data for driver’s licences and manipulating it to sideline and shortchange the States’ Boards of Internal Revenue (BIRs) and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in the collection and usage of fees for processing driver’s licences.

    “The FRSC is reportedly controlling receiving accounts for driver’s licence fees, including those from Driving School Certification and Driving History Applications meant for foreign travel applications, the yearly revenue generated from chargeable fees, which amounts to hundreds of billions of naira, is also allegedly unaccounted for by the Vehicle Inspection Office and various state Boards of Internal Revenue.”

    “The processing of driver’s licences is unexplainably being delayed for upwards of two to three years after the biometric data capturing of applicants.

    “The huge debts the FRSC owe Galaxy Backbone Limited and other system consultants that are the network providers and maintainers of the biometrics data capturing system are responsible for the system slowdown and the resultant long delay in the issuance of driver’s licences.”

    He stressed the need to also clearly ascertain which public agency has the legal responsibility of designing, producing, and issuing a driver’s licence.

  • 803 firms jostle for NRC contracts

    803 firms jostle for NRC contracts

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) yesterday witnessed a surge in the numbers of companies bidding for its 2025 contracts, as a total of 803 firms were confirmed to have submitted applications, compared to 524 firms that bided last year.

    The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, noted that the increment may be due to the confidence more people now have in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The NRC MD, who was represented by the Director, Medical Services, Mr. Albert Asowata, said: “The surge in the numbers of firms bidding is due to the confidence people have in the agenda of Mr. President.

    “Our scope has been expanded. There are many programmes the MD has launched since he assumed office. One of such programmes is the railing with the States. All the State governments are now keying into railways.

    “Just three days ago, the Federal Government also disclosed that the Kano-Maradi rail line will be completed in 2026.

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    “That shows that there is renewed vigor and hope to expand the rail industry, to move the country forward.

    “Again, just yesterday, the NRC MD read riot act to all those people that have blocked our rail line right-of-way to the jetty. The MD has set up a committee to review the presence of these people on the railway right-of-way to the jetty. The MD wants to ensure there is an access to the jetty for goods to come in through the rail to other parts of the country.

    “So, there is a lot of things going on in the railways and people are hearing about them. So, that accounts for the increase in the number of firms applying for bids compared to last year.”

    Opeifa also assured all the bidders that the bid opening ceremony will be conducted in an unbiased, transparent and efficient manner by a well-trained team.

    “The critical area that we are looking at for this fiscal year is on wash-out in civil works, bridges and culvert.

    “This is because most of the tracks are already washed out by heavy rains. We are trying to ensure that all the wash-outs are taken care of,” the NRC MD added.

    The bidding process had independent observers like the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), Nigerian Network of NGOs, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Chartered Institute for Purchasing and Supply Management, amongst others in attendance.

  • Bolt launches electric tricycles, to empower drivers with higher earnings

    Bolt launches electric tricycles, to empower drivers with higher earnings

    Leading ride-hailing platform, Bolt, has officially launched its Electric Tricycles (EV) in Lagos.

    This is a major move to empowering Nigerian drivers through lower operational costs and more accessible paths to vehicle ownership.

    The scheme is designed to directly address the economic pressure drivers face amid rising fuel prices and vehicle maintenance costs. Through a “Lease-to-Own” model in partnership with SGX, drivers can access brand-new electric tricycles with no upfront payment and own the vehicle outright after 24 months of consistent use.

    The company is also targeting 1,000 electric tricycles by end of 2025 to scale affordable, sustainable mobility solutions

    Drivers participating in the programme will operate exclusively on the Bolt platform and within SGX-managed fleets, with continued access to preferential lease terms based on weekly performance benchmarks. The new EV tricycles also introduce a lower-cost category for riders, particularly in high-density, lower-income areas where traditional ride-hailing options may be too expensive or unavailable.

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    Speaking at the launch event, Caroline Wanjihia, Bolt’s Regional Director of Rides Operations, Africa and International Markets, said: “This initiative is about transforming how mobility works for the people who power our platform, the drivers, by giving them tools to reduce fuel spending, avoid upfront vehicle costs, and eventually own their tricycles….”

    Osi Oguah, General Manager, Bolt Nigeria said: “This launch is a major step in addressing two critical challenges in Nigeria’s transport sector – driver income and commuter access. By introducing electric tricycles with flexible, lease-to-own options, we’re helping drivers save money, own their vehicles, and build sustainable livelihoods. At the same time, we’re offering commuters, especially in underserved areas, a more affordable and accessible way to move around their city. We have an ambitious target of having 1,000 electric tricycles by the end of 2025.’

  • FRSC redeploys senior officers, appoints new sector commanders

    FRSC redeploys senior officers, appoints new sector commanders

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Mohammed Shehu, has approved the redeployment of senior officers to key Departments and Corps offices to boost existing efforts of the Corps towards safer motoring environment.

     The Corps Marshal also approved the appointment of new Sector Commanders for Ekiti, Plateau, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kano, Minna, Kogi, Bayelsa, Taraba, Jigsaw, Osun, Imo and Zamfara.

     The spokesman of FRSC, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, announced this in a statement yesterday.

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     He said the development affected three Deputy Corps Marshals, two Assistant Corps Marshals, and 24 Corps Commanders.

     According to him, those affected by the redeployment are: Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) Aliyu Datsama, the erstwhile Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Special Duties and External Relations Department, now to head Department of Motor Vehicle Administration; DCM Pauline Olaye who was in charge of Project Implementation Office at the National Headquarters is to take over Special Duties and External Relations, while Deputy Corps Marshal Technical Service Department (TSD), DCM Ahmed Tahir Hassan is to remain as in the same post

     Other are Assistant Corps Marshal Godwin Omiko, who was ACM Motor Vehicle Administration Department now redeployed as Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Corps Safety Engineering Office, ACM Emmanuel Dung is to resume duty as ACM Motor Vehicle Administration at the national headquarters

     “The Corps Marshal expressed confidence in the capacity and experiences of the newly redeployed senior officers to deliver on mandate as he charged them to bring their professional expertise for impactful leadership,” said

  • Student group seeks end to overseas training for maritime workers, improved infrastructure at NMU

    Student group seeks end to overseas training for maritime workers, improved infrastructure at NMU

    The National Association of Nigerian Maritime Students (NANMS) has demanded an end to overseas training for staff and improved infrastructure at the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU).

    In a peaceful protest at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, the maritime students alleged that the university was being neglected and that the maritime traineeship programs being sent abroad should be redirected to NMU.

    The students demanded that NIMASA release the training floating dock to NMU, which they believe will provide the practical training infrastructure their curriculum demands.

    They also called for sea-time training opportunities for students across all maritime institutions in Nigeria, the implementation of a national cadetship program that is inclusive, transparent, and merit-based, and creation of employment pathways for maritime graduates.

    Oniel Abraham and Cletus Douglas, in separate address on behalf of the association, emphasised the current state of NMU is unacceptable and the government must take immediate action to address the challenges facing the institution.

    They believe that the university has the potential to produce world-class maritime professionals, but this can only be achieved if the government invests in the necessary infrastructure and training facilities.

    “We are not asking for the moon, we are asking for the basic facilities that will enable us to acquire the skills and knowledge required to excel in the maritime industry,” Abraham said. 

    “The government must prioritise the development of NMU and provide the necessary support to ensure that our institution becomes a center of excellence for maritime education in Africa.

    “The future of Nigeria’s maritime industry depends on the quality of training that our students receive. If we don’t invest in our institutions and provide our students with the necessary skills and knowledge, we will be compromising the future of our industry.”

    Douglas added: “We urge the government to take immediate action to address our demands. The government must take immediate action to address the challenges facing NMU and the maritime industry as a whole. 

    “The ball is in their court. We hope that they will take our demands seriously and take immediate action to address the challenges facing NMU and the maritime industry. We are willing to work with the government to find solutions to these challenges.”

  • Eastern rail line may be ready before 2027, says NRC MD

    Eastern rail line may be ready before 2027, says NRC MD

    • Otti called for speedy completion

    The reconstruction of the Eastern Railway line by the Federal Government is possible before 2027, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, said yesterday.

    Opeifa, who dropped the hint during his “Familiarisation tour to the Eastern District, Enugu”, acknowledged that effect of the lack rail to the region, he described as once best and vibrant rail corridor.

    He said the government was determined to ensuring the corridor was back to working condition.

    His host Governor Alex Otti called speedy completion of the Southeast rail projects.

    Otti who noted the critical role of the transportation sector in economic development, described transportation as “one of the most important Sectors of the economy.”

    He noted that previous engagements with the NRC with regards to the reconstruction of the Aba-Port Harcourt rail line, which he noted, was eventually delivered.

    The governor, however, expressed concern that work had stalled on the Umuahia and Enugu segments of the corridor, which were originally scheduled for completion by the first quarter of last year.

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    Opeifa said: “We are hopeful that it will be done before 2027 as the president is desirous to deliver it and it will be a good thing for it to be ready before 2027.

    “I can tell you, activities will begin in them soon. Eastern rail will come back very soon but there is no timeline as the timeline is based on weather and fund releases.”

    He added that there was existing contract to repair the line from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

    “There are plans to get the track rolling from Port Harcourt to Onne and from Aba to Enugu and that plan is ongoing. It is a funding issue but it has been resolved,” Opeifa said.

    He debunked the claim that work on the track was diverted from Eastern District to Gombe State, explaining that a contract could not be moved from one place to another, describing it as a “financial offence”.

    On the sales of NRC property in Enugu, the NRC boss said Railway Properties Management Company did not sell land but leased it out to generate revenue.

    “However, when it is grabbed by wrong people, then, it becomes an issue and we will move to recover them”.

    He pointed out that the corporation would demolish any building on rail line, warning individuals involved to remove them.

    On demolition of some of the training schools by the Enugu State Government, the managing director revealed that discussions were ongoing to resolve it.

    He assured staff on Grade Level six that the training schools across the nation would be brought back to life for the officers to upgrade their level, decrying that it was inhuman treatment for a staff to remain in a particular level for many years.

    Opeifa, however, called on Nigerians not to see railway asset as scrap but national asset, advising them to protect them.

    “Those unusable can be recycled but anyone calling to buy them as a scrap is a scammer while those involved in the act will be punished,” he reiterated.

    The NRC MD commended the Abia and the Enugu State governments as well as the Police for protecting rail facilities in the zone.

    The rail project, flagged off by former President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2021, was to be funded by 85 per cent foreign loan and 15 per cent counterpart contribution of the federal government, with a delivery timeline of two years.

    It was learnt that the federal government’s 15 per cent stake had been instrumental to the ongoing work on the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the over 2000km stretch but the rest has been left fallow.

    Besides complaints about the “unattractive” funding model, residents lamented the removal of the old rail tracks without a definite plan for their replacement.

    The Eastern corridor got a narrow-gauge approval as opposed to the standard gauge on the Southwest and Northwest, stretches from Port Harcourt through the Southeast, Middle-Belt, Northeast and terminates in Maiduguri, Borno State.

  • NRC to link food centers to raillines

    NRC to link food centers to raillines

    The Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) is embarking on a comprehensive revitalization of its aging rail network. The initiative is focused on reconnecting key agricultural production hubs to major seaports, aiming to streamline the transport of perishable goods and reduce logistical bottlenecks, according to findings by The Nation.

    A high-ranking source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the strategic vision driving this revitalisation.

    “The Managing Director, Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, is working assiduously towards the reactivation of legacy lines,” the source stated, emphasising the focus on narrow gauge lines linking production centres to markets and ports.

    “These legacy lines are the narrow gauges that connect the production centres to the markets and the ports. We have such centres scattered across the country.”

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    “Efforts are being made to reduce food inflation. The only way to ensure this is to ensure that the rails get back to work, ensuring  that all those produce that are rotten in the farms by way of delay get to the market in time and those for exports are taken to the ports and then their destinations,” the source concluded.

    The source reiterated the commitment of NRC to minimise transportation costs and transit times, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural exports and stabilising domestic prices. “The efficient movement of agricultural goods is crucial for maintaining price stability and ensuring the timely delivery of exports,” the official explained. “By optimising our rail infrastructure, we can significantly reduce logistical bottlenecks and improve the overall efficiency of our food supply chain.”

    According to the source, reactivation of specific lines, such as the Idogo line connecting Lagos to Ogun State, and the Nguru to Kaura line, which facilitates cattle transport, is paramount.

    “There is this Idogo line that connects Lagos to Ogun State where food produce is being bought from the various hinterland production centres from Ogun State to Lagos and then the ports. In the early 60s and 70s, that line was active but went dead. Government is trying to bring those lines back.

    “There is also Nguru to Kaura. Nguru is close to Borno State. The line is heavy in the transport of food, especially cattle cargo. The government is working on activating that line to ensure they bring cargo to Lagos,” the source said.

    The source said Niger State is collaborating with NRC to optimise domestic food distribution. “The Niger State government is also busy on agriculture. The State government is discussing with NRC, on the possibility of bringing a cargo train that will link Niger State to Lagos. Efforts are being accelerated to ensure these are in place in the next two to three months. Some of the lines will be reactivated,” the source revealed.

    The source noted that the NRC is determined to repurpose existing abandoned materials and combat vandalism to ensure the project’s success. “For this reason, the MD is insisting that there are no scraps in the NRC. All of those materials are usually being repurposed. These materials will be used in the repairs of the legs of some of these lines. The idea is to bring back wagons, locomotives. To bring these things back, the MD insists on preserving old and usable parts,” the source emphasised, warning against theft and vandalism. “He advised workers and Nigerians not to steal or vandalise them because the materials are usable for the country. He is hell bent on treating anybody involved in such businesses as economic saboteurs and handling them over to the police for prosecution.”

  • CILT confers fellowship award on NRC boss Opeifa

    CILT confers fellowship award on NRC boss Opeifa

    …seeks transport sector partnership

    The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria has conferred a prestigious Fellowship award on Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

    The recognition was bestowed during a courtesy visit to the NRC headquarters by a high-powered CILT delegation, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro.

    Mrs. Usoro, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), praised Dr. Opeifa for his contributions to the development of transportation and logistics in Nigeria, describing the NRC as a backbone of the nation’s transport infrastructure.

    She also reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to global standards, noting that CILT operates in over 133 countries and maintains a consistent international standard for training, curriculum, and professional certification to ensure its members remain globally competitive.

    “Our global curriculum undergoes periodic audits to maintain high standards, equipping members for success in logistics and transportation anywhere in the world,” Usoro said. 

    She also noted the Institute’s impact in securing international job placements and academic opportunities for its members, as well as its pivotal role in national transport policy advocacy.

    Usoro extended an offer of collaboration with the NRC in workforce development and capacity building to align the Corporation’s professionals with global best practices.

    In his response, Dr. Opeifa expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to professionalism, workforce training, and enhancing Nigeria’s transport ecosystem.

    “We value the work of CILT and recognize the importance of equipping our people with the right skills and knowledge. As custodians of Nigeria’s rail transport sector, we must empower our professionals to lead and innovate,” Opeifa said.

    He praised the competence of the NRC’s local engineers and technical teams, noting their ability to lay tracks, manage rolling stock, and refurbish infrastructure to meet the country’s needs.

    Dr. Opeifa also shared insights into the Corporation’s strategic initiative, Railing with the States, aimed at encouraging state governments to invest in rail infrastructure within their territories. 

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    According to him, the initiative has already attracted interest from multiple states seeking to revitalize legacy train routes and expand rail access to citizens.

    On cargo services, the NRC boss announced a “freight revolution” marked by the activation of three new cargo lines connecting Apapa Port to Ibadan. Plans are also underway to extend cargo operations to Ilorin and other parts of the country.

    “As trade facilitators, we’ve reinvigorated port-to-hinterland freight services. Today, it is common to see cargo movement simultaneously on both narrow and standard gauge tracks,” he said.

    On passenger services, Dr. Opeifa reiterated the Corporation’s determination to improve customer experience, especially on the narrow gauge lines. Enhancements are underway to upgrade coach ambience and shift public perception of train travel as a viable, safe, and comfortable alternative.

    In a symbolic gesture of partnership, he offered CILT Nigeria the use of the NRC’s state-of-the-art conference coach for future board meetings. “You can charter our conference coach for a mobile board meeting between Lagos and Abeokuta or Ibadan. It promises a unique experience and a scenic journey through the heart of southwestern Nigeria,” he said.

  • Nigeria Maritime university appoints key principal officers

    Nigeria Maritime university appoints key principal officers

    The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) has announced the appointment of three principal officers to key administrative roles. 

    The Governing Council approved the appointments at its 21st meeting (emergency) on April 15, 2025

    They include Paul Bebenimibo, as the new Registrar; Abduldayan Fatimah Jibril as the new librarian and Gbe Tamaraudebaemi Justin as the new Bursar.

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    According to a statement by the Chairman/Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council, Abdullahi  Bardi, the three individuals were selected as the top candidates after a thorough interview process conducted by an eight-member selection committee. The appointments were made by the university’s established regulations.

    Bardi stated that the Governing Council is confident that these appointments will contribute significantly to the continued growth and development of the Nigeria Maritime University.

  • Air Peace pledges to bring back underaged girls trafficked to Ivory Coast

    Air Peace pledges to bring back underaged girls trafficked to Ivory Coast

    Chairman of Air Peace Group Dr Allen Onyema has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the recent discovery of Nigerian underaged girls trafficked to Ivory Coast as highlighted by activist VeryDarkMan. 

    In a statement, Onyema called for collective efforts to discourage trafficking, emphasising its inhumane and ungodly nature.

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    According to him: “We should discourage trafficking of any kind. It is inhumane and callous. It is absolutely ungodly and a good example of man’s inhumanity to man. We, in Air Peace, are ready to bring our fellow citizens back home free off charge.

    “Besides that, we are going to send all of them to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja for free medical examination and treatment. 

    “While we implore the Nigerian Embassy in Cote D’Ivoire to assemble them and reach out to us, we equally call on the Federal Government to take charge of their education while reuniting them with their families.”