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  • NRC targets 10,000km rail network in five years

    NRC targets 10,000km rail network in five years

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the national rail network from about 4000 kilometres to 10,000 kilometres within the next five years, with a longer-term target of 20,000 kilometres in the next 20 years.

    Managing Director of the corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this during an interview where he outlined the strategic direction of the rail sector and the scale of investment required to reposition it as a major driver of national growth.

    Opeifa said Nigeria currently operates about 4,000 kilometres of rail lines, a figure he described as inadequate for a country of its size and economic ambition.

    “In the next five years, we hope to increase the length of tracks to about 10,000 kilometres. By another 10 years after that, we want to move Nigeria to about 20,000 kilometres of rail lines,” he said.

    He stressed that achieving the expansion target would depend largely on private sector participation, noting that government funding alone could not support the scale of infrastructure investment required.

    According to him, the Federal Government remained open to concessioning arrangements and other partnership models, adding that sovereign guarantees would be provided to investors in line with global best practices.

    “Our doors are open to the private sector for concessioning and partnerships. Government budgets alone cannot fund rail expansion at this scale, which is why we are encouraging private investment,” Opeifa said.

    He said the expansion plan formed part of a larger national rail roadmap that would soon be unveiled, aimed at strengthening connectivity across economic corridors and boosting productivity.

    Opeifa noted that the corporation was working towards completing key rail corridors, including the Lagos-Kano line, the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri route, and the Ajaokuta-Abuja connection to enable seamless movement of people and goods between the South and the North.

    He added that both narrow gauge and standard gauge rail lines were operational, with the corporation embarking on aggressive recovery of locomotives, wagons, and other rolling stock to improve efficiency and capacity utilisation.

    Read Also: NRC records high passenger turnout as yuletide half fare ends

    Despite security challenges, Opeifa said rail services continued nationwide, attributing this to the commitment of railway engineers and artisans who sustained operations across the network.

    He called for community ownership of railway assets as a critical response to vandalism, particularly along the Warri-Itakpe corridor, where he said repeated attacks had forced the corporation to replace almost every section of track.

    The NRC boss also said the corporation was collaborating with several state governments, including Lagos, Zamfara, Plateau, Niger, and Ogun, to increase rail usage and maximise existing assets.

    Opeifa revealed that private operators were already participating in rail operations, with about 28 logistics companies licensed to move goods from Apapa Port to locations including Oyingbo, Papalanto, Kajola, Omi Adio, Moniya, and Osogbo.

    “If you have the resources to bring in locomotives and rolling stock, we will give you access to our tracks because once the tracks are in use, the economy benefits,” he said.

    He described the state of the railway a year ago as being in intensive care, adding that cooperation from workers had helped restore stability and revive investor confidence.

    According to him, growing interest from investors and increased licence uptake in recent weeks signalled renewed confidence in Nigeria’s rail future.

  • NRC drops fare by 50 percent, records large turnout

    NRC drops fare by 50 percent, records large turnout

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recorded a surge in passenger traffic on Tuesday following the commencement of a federal government approved 50 percent reduction in train fares for the Yuletide season.

    Major stations along the Lagos to Ibadan and Abuja to Kaduna standard gauge corridors, as well as key narrow gauge routes, witnessed heavy turnout, with several departures operating beyond capacity as travellers took advantage of the discounted fares to journey for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    The festive rail service, implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, is scheduled to run from Tuesday December 23 to Sunday January 4, 2026, offering passengers nationwide a half fare option during the peak travel period.

    Read Also: Rail freight revival to reshape economy, says NRC MD

    Officials attributed the strong response to growing public reliance on rail transport and the relief the discount provided to families and group travellers in the face of rising seasonal transport costs.

    Passengers, who spoke with The Nation described the initiative as timely and economically relieving, noting that it eased the burden of festive travel and encouraged safer long distance movement.

    Speaking on the commencement of the exercise, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of safe, efficient, and customer focused services throughout the festive season.

    He said both standard gauge and narrow gauge services were fully operational, supported by enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements at stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger volumes.

  • Rail freight revival to reshape economy, says NRC MD

    Rail freight revival to reshape economy, says NRC MD

    Rail freight is returning as a major force in Nigeria’s transport economy, with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), targeting a dramatic rise in cargo movement across its traditional corridors.

    In a detailed conversation, the Managing Director of the NRC said the country was moving back to rail based haulage and rebuilding confidence among manufacturers, traders, and state governments who depended on trains to move bulk cargo in the past.

    He described the development as a turning point for economic recovery. “Nigeria’s prosperity was primarily based on those two corridors,” he said, referring to the Lagos-Kano and Port Harcourt- Aba-Enugu-Maiduguri lines. “The prosperity of the Dantata dynasty is also tied to the rail corridor. The Kano pyramids were successful because of the rail from Kano to Baro and Kano to Lagos.”

    The NRC chief said several manufacturers and state governments had already made commitments to return freight to rail once key lines were stabilised, noting that the Lagos-Kano route would quickly reduce the number of heavy trucks on highways.

    “If we get the Lagos – Kano line back, we will see a lot of those trailers out,” he said. “Niger State, Kaduna State, and Kwara State are all just waiting to have their corridor back so that they can move products from the North down to where they are.”

    The NRC MD projected rapid freight growth once current work was completed. “What we see is that we will most likely see about a four fold increase in freight travel in 2026,” he said.

    He said the corporation was also working to address port pricing, insisting that current charges discouraged shippers from using rail. “Handlers at both ends are doing double handling charge. They charge you for putting your goods into the train while they do not charge people putting their goods into the trucks,” he said.

    The NRC boss noted that new investment interest was evolving across different cargo categories, including minerals, consumer goods, dairy, and livestock. He said the corporation already had specialised rolling stock to support the scale of freight that was coming.

    “We have wagons for mineral resources. We have cattle wagons. We have cold wagons for vegetables. We have cold wagons for milk,” he said. “The Kano milk group are already waiting for the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge and the new gauge. We can move milk from Kano. They produce so much milk. Where do they consume the milk. It is mainly in Lagos. So they want to get the milk.”

    He added that the infrastructure would allow seamless movement across long distances, saying cargo operators were only waiting for full corridor restoration to commit. “Right now, they move it by reefers. So there are big opportunities and the private sector should catch it. They should catch it before it is too late,” he said.

    He also confirmed the Port Harcourt Aba axis would see expansion, modernisation, and increased freight operations as budget provisions firmed up in 2026.

    Describing the shift as structural, he said rail was reclaiming its place. “Gradually, the rail ris getting to a position where it is taking its rightful place in the Nigerian economy,” he said. “If you check reports coming from the National Bureau of Statistics in the last three or four quarters, rail had always been a top contributor to them.”

    He said the focus was to make rail freight efficient, competitive, and dependable, and to deepen integration with the ports and the industrial sector.

  • NRC reaffirms commitment to transparency, accountability

    NRC reaffirms commitment to transparency, accountability

    The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has restated its commitment to building a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability within the corporation’s workplace.

    The NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, gave the assurance at the weekend during the inauguration of the newly reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the corporation.

    “Today marks another strong step in our collective journey to building a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability within our corporation. I appreciate the presence and support of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), especially our Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, whose partnership continues to strengthen our internal governance structure,” Opeifa said.

    The NRC managing director noted that as the corporation’s operational footprint expanded, so did the need for strong ethical standards and internal controls.

    He said the NRC was experiencing a new phase of growth, modernisation, and increased public engagement.

    Opeifa, who was excited at the inauguration of the reconstituted agency, said the unit would serve as the corporation’s watchdog that must continue to meet the highest standards in service delivery, procurement processes, financial management, staff conduct, and general corporate governance.

    According to him, ACTU is not just a statutory requirement, it is a strategic instrument for preventing corruption, promoting transparency, and strengthening public confidence I the operations of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies’ (MDAs).

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    Olaifa urged the ACTU members to promote ethical values and transparency across all departments, drive compliance with extant rules, regulations, and operational guidelines, ensure timely reporting of violations and gaps where such exists, champion awareness activities that enlightens staff about anti-corruption obligations and work closely, respectfully and professionally with ICPC at all times.

    “The management will provide a work environment where accountability thrives and where every officer understands that corruption, misconduct, and unethical behaviours have no place in the NRC of today,” Opeifa added.

    The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, said ACTU, which has evolved into a government-recognised anti-corruption platform, functions as internal mechanisms to identify and address systemic weaknesses while ensuring compliance with ethical standards across MDAs.

    Aliyu, who was represented by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr Chukwurah Alexander, who was equally represented by Dr. Florence Barry, said ACTU was initiated by the ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

    He urged the new members to refrain from any actions that could compromise their position or the strategic role entrusted to them.

    In her acceptance speech, the ACTU NRC Chairman, Mrs. Clara Ndibe, assured the ICPC that the unit would enhance public confidence and contribute to a stronger, more transparent corporation.

  • NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe train service indefinitely

    NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe train service indefinitely

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train operations on its Warri-Itakpe corridor due to derailment.

    The Corporation explained that the suspension would enable it to conduct a safety and security audit of the track and other facilities.

    The Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa noted that two of its coaches derailed on Saturday around 7:30pm at Agbor, Delta State.

    He stated that preliminary investigation indicates that the incident may have been caused by vandalism.

    The MD, while stating that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, added that no casualties or injuries were recorded.

    This incident is coming barely four days after 

    train operation on the route resumed on 29th October after several weeks of suspension.

    The statement by Opeifa reads: “The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) wishes to inform the general public that a train derailment incident occurred yesterday at approximately 19:30 hours, involving two out of the seven coaches of our Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) at Kilometre 212+8m, Agbor.
    “Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident may have been caused by suspected track vandalism.
    “We are pleased to confirm that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, and everyone has been fully accounted for. No casualties or injuries were recorded.
    “Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon.
    “As a precautionary measure, train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended today to enable a comprehensive security and safety audit of the track and related infrastructure.
    “We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued passengers and the general public. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is verified safe to do so”.

  • NRC decries rising vandalisation of railway installations

    NRC decries rising vandalisation of railway installations

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has decried the increasing vandalisation of its electrical and signalling installations across the Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Warri-Itakpe corridors.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kayode Opeifa, raised the concern in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

    The statement, signed by Mr Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, described the attacks as a major threat to safe and efficient train operations.

    Opeifa confirmed that two suspects had been arrested in Kaduna in connection with the vandalisation of equipment at the Rigasa Train Station area.

    He said the suspects, aged 22 and 24, both from Rigasa, were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command attached to the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).

    The arrest, he explained, followed the discovery on Friday, Oct. 10, at about 12:30 p.m., that a cable wire had been cut and removed from an NRC crane.

    Acting on intelligence, the patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the suspects shortly after the incident.

    During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, revealing that they sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as “Musa Major,” for ₦90,000.

    Read Also: Abuja-Kaduna train service resumes as NRC MD joins passengers

    Each suspect reportedly received ₦30,000 as his share, while another accomplice, also from Rigasa, remains at large, Opeifa added.

    He said efforts were ongoing by the Nigeria Police, Railway Command (AKTS), to arrest the remaining suspect and recover the stolen materials.

    The NRC, he said, commended the command for its professionalism and swift response, assuring that all culprits would face the full weight of the law.

    Opeifa expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on railway electrical and signalling infrastructure, describing them as critical national assets.

    He said the corporation, working with security agencies, would henceforth treat such acts as economic sabotage, with severe legal consequences for offenders.

    The NRC chief appealed to residents of communities hosting railway facilities to support the corporation and security agencies in protecting these installations.

    He stressed that the railway system remained a catalyst for community development and improved livelihoods, making its protection a collective responsibility.

    (NAN) 

  • NRC MD Opeifa apologises to media over verbal assault on NTA journalist

    NRC MD Opeifa apologises to media over verbal assault on NTA journalist

    • …names him ambassador for media advocacy

    The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has tendered a public apology to the Nigerian media over his verbal assault on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) journalist, Comrade Ladi Bala, during coverage of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.

    Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat, Abuja, Opeifa admitted that his remarks, made under intense pressure while handling the crisis, were regrettable and not intended as an attack on the press.

    Comrade Bala, immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), had been subjected to unprovoked verbal abuse while carrying out her duties at the derailment scene. 

    The NUJ FCT Council condemned the incident, describing it as dehumanizing and a violation of press freedom.

    “I sincerely apologize for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on both the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ,” Dr. Opeifa said. “Acting under pressure and in the heat of the moment while trying to ensure safety, I uttered some unkind words for which I take full responsibility.”

    In recognition of her resilience and professionalism, the NRC MD conferred on Comrade Bala the honorary title of Ambassador for Media Advocacy.

    Providing details of the derailment, Dr. Opeifa disclosed that eight coaches and one locomotive were affected, with 618 passengers onboard. About 20 passengers sustained injuries, seven critically. He said the NRC activated its revised emergency protocol immediately, working with agencies such as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Government, FCT Administration, and the military.

    Read Also: NRC suspends Abuja-Kaduna train operation indefinitely

    Replacement coaches were deployed within 45 minutes to evacuate stranded passengers, while contact tracing was carried out using manifests. “Some passengers had already traveled to nearby towns, but we managed to trace them by phone,” he noted, adding that he personally visited seven injured passengers, including one who made his way to Zaria.

    He commended the swift intervention of the Army, Air Force, police, vigilantes, and medical teams, who he said played vital roles in saving lives.

    Directly addressing Bala, Opeifa said: “To her, I offer my fullest apology. I also extend the same to the NTA, NAWOJ, and the wider journalism community.”

    Recalling his history as a rights activist and union leader, he said: “I have fought alongside journalists before; I am not their enemy.”

    On recovery efforts, he disclosed that two coaches and one locomotive had been cleared from the site by Saturday, with two more expected to be removed by Sunday night. About 50 meters of new track had also been laid to aid recovery.

    He praised the resilience of NRC’s rolling stock, saying some business-class passengers were unaware of the derailment until they disembarked, a testament to the trains’ impact-absorbing capacity.

    Dr. Opeifa also highlighted recent NRC achievements, including the reactivation of the Jos–Bukuru line, expansion of the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, and plans to connect ports such as Tin Can, Warri, and Onne to the rail network—developments he described as unprecedented in six decades.

    To improve communication, he announced the creation of a Customer Service and Relations Department, which has so far contacted more than 400 passengers affected by the Kaduna accident.

    “The media remain our partners, not adversaries. We will deepen collaboration with the NUJ, NAWOJ, and civil society to promote transparency and public trust,” he said.

    NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the apology but stressed that the council maintains zero tolerance for intimidation of journalists. “We will persist in fighting for our members’ rights and freedom of speech, which is a right, not a privilege. I am pleased the MD has joined us in opposing harassment and intimidation of journalists,” she said.

    “With Comrade Ladi Bala as the NRC’s Ambassador for Media Advocacy, we expect to see increased media engagement and campaigns for the welfare of Nigerian journalists, especially in the FCT,” she added.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, who accompanied Dr. Opeifa, commended his humility in apologising and assured of continued collaboration between the presidency, NRC, and the media.

  • JUST IN: NRC confirms Abuja-Kaduna train derailment

    JUST IN: NRC confirms Abuja-Kaduna train derailment

    The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has confirmed the derailment of its Kaduna-bound train.

    Opeifa, in a statement on Tuesday, stated that the train derailed at Asham station.

    He noted that the emergency team, including hospitals, have been mobilised to the scene to attend to injured passengers.

    The cause of the derailment is, however, unclear at the moment.

    The statement signed by Opeifa and posted on NRC’s X handle @info_NRC reads, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirms a train derailment involving our Kaduna-bound AKTS train service at about 11:09 am at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station.

    Read Also: NRC confirms incident on AKTS, assures of normalcy

    “Emergency rescue, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals have already been mobilised. Full complement of security is already on the ground as efforts are ongoing to move all passengers on the train back to Abuja safely.

    “Kindly bear with us at this moment”.

  • Warri-Itakpe train operation to resume soon, says NRC

    Warri-Itakpe train operation to resume soon, says NRC

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says train services on the Warri-Itakpe corridor will soon resume following the completion of major repairs on sections of the track.

    In a statement, NRC’s chief public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the temporary suspension of operations was to allow for urgent maintenance aimed at safeguarding passengers and ensuring smooth operations.

    Read Also: NRC disclaims vandalism on Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line

    “The Corporation is pleased to announce that work on the affected sections has reached an advanced stage, and normal train movement will recommence in the shortest possible time,” Unyimadu said.

    He expressed appreciation to passengers for their patience and cooperation during the service disruption, adding that NRC remains committed to providing safe, efficient and reliable rail services nationwide.

    The Corporation said a definite date for the resumption will be communicated in due course.

  • NRC confirms incident on AKTS, assures of normalcy

    NRC confirms incident on AKTS, assures of normalcy

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that one of the coaches’ wheel on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) experienced hot axle some kilometres to Rigasa Station in Kaduna.

    The incident, which happened on Wednesday evening is due to hot wheels friction as a result of abnormal temperature due to excessive heat on the journal housing.

    However, the situation was immediately brought under control and the train marshalled to Kaduna and to safety.

    Consequent upon this incident, the train service will experience some capacity issues, which may affect some customers booked on the business class.

    Read Also: Kayode Opeifa and NRC’s’ Morning Yet on Creation Day’

    Passengers who were booked on the affected coach for Thursday, have all been contacted through the details they provided online. 

    We have also made alternative arrangements to accommodate them. 

    The Management is working to ensure the disruption is minimal and that normal service would resume before the afternoon services.

    “We assure all our customers and passengers of their safety on our train services as we are determined to continue to provide the best travel experience on all our train networks.

    We apologize and regret all the inconvenience.”