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Tag: NRC

  • NRC disclaims vandalism on Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line

    NRC disclaims vandalism on Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has refuted claims of vandalism of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line.

    It described a viral video circulating on social media as misleading and outdated.

    In a statement at the weekend by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation explained that the footage, which was published by Sahara Reporters and amplified by several online platforms, did not originate from the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge corridor. Rather, it said, the incident occurred a year ago along a section of the old narrow gauge line at Erunmu, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The NRC emphasised that the video in circulation referenced acts of vandalism that took place between August 7 and 27, 2024, at Km 218 and Km 221 on the narrow gauge line.

    During these incidents, the corporation further explained, a total of 250 E-clips, 16 short rails, and one additional rail were carted away by vandals.

    It added that another incident was recorded on September 9, 2024, where 280 E-clips and two poles were stolen at Km 219 within the same axis.

    The NRC said these cases were promptly addressed through swift interventions.

    Read Also: Nigerians will enjoy uninterrupted power supply before Tinubu leaves office -Adelabu

    The statement said these included community engagements with the Erunmu village head, local vigilance groups, and sensitisation campaigns targeted at scrap metal dealers at Agodi Gate, Ibadan.

    The corporation also worked closely with the Oyo State Police Command, leading to the arrest of several suspects. Those arrested were subsequently handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for further investigation and prosecution.

    “Since these interventions, no further incidents of vandalism have been recorded along that stretch,” the statement said.

    Acknowledging the role of the media in exposing criminal acts, the NRC urged media platforms to always verify their reports, especially when they concern critical national infrastructure.

    “We commend the media for their sustained interest in combating vandalism of railway assets but urge them to cross-check facts before misleading the public. Misrepresentation causes undue alarm and undermines the credibility of such platforms,” the statement added.

    The NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, applauded the Nigeria Police Railway Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the judiciary for their relentless efforts in apprehending and prosecuting vandals.

    He warned perpetrators and their collaborators, including smelting companies and foundries, that the corporation will continue to regard them as economic saboteurs who will face the full wrath of the law if caught.

  • NRC refutes vandalisation of Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line

    NRC refutes vandalisation of Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has refuted claims of vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line, describing a viral video circulating on social media as misleading and outdated.

    In a statement issued by the chief public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation clarified that the footage, which was published by Sahara Reporters and amplified by several online platforms, did not originate from the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge corridor.

    Rather, the incident occurred in August 2024 along a section of the old narrow gauge line at Erunmu, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The corporation emphasised that the video in question referenced acts of vandalism that took place between 7th and 27th August 2024 at Km 218 and Km 221 on the narrow gauge line.

    During these incidents, a total of 250 E-clips, 16 short rails, and one additional rail were carted away by vandals. Another incident was recorded on 9th September 2024, where 280 E-clips and two poles were stolen at Km 219 within the same axis.

    NRC stated that these cases were promptly addressed through swift intervention measures. These included community engagements with the Erunmu village head, local vigilante groups, and sensitisation campaigns targeted at scrap metal dealers at Agodi Gate, Ibadan.

    The Corporation also worked closely with the Oyo State Police Command, which led to the arrest of several suspects. The arrested individuals were subsequently handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for further investigation and prosecution.

    Read Also: NRC debunks viral video of train fire, says incident happened three years ago

    “Since these interventions, no further incidents of vandalism have been recorded along that stretch,” the statement said.

    While acknowledging the role of the media in exposing criminal acts, the NRC urged media platforms to exercise due diligence in verifying their reports, especially when such reports concern critical national infrastructure.

    “We commend the media for their sustained interest in combating vandalism of railway assets, but urge them to cross-check facts before misleading the public. Misrepresentation causes undue alarm and undermines the credibility of such platforms,” the statement read.

    Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, applauded the Nigeria Police Railway Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the judiciary for their relentless efforts in apprehending and prosecuting vandals.

    He warned perpetrators and their collaborators, including smelting companies and foundries, that the Corporation will continue to regard them as economic saboteurs who will face the full wrath of the law if caught.

    “NRC remains fully committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, both standard and narrow gauge. We will continue to collaborate with security agencies, local communities, and the media to prevent vandalism and ensure offenders are prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Opeifa said.

  • NRC warns against fraudulent train ticket booking platforms

    NRC warns against fraudulent train ticket booking platforms

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has warned passengers against patronising fraudulent and unauthorised online booking platforms soliciting train ticket payments through personal bank accounts.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NRC management said it had observed the activities of scammers using fake booking sites to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    The chief public relations officer of the corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, who signed the statement, stressed that the fake platforms are not affiliated with the NRC.

    He advised passengers not to make payments to personal or unverified accounts for train bookings.

    Read Also: NRC debunks viral video of train fire, says incident happened three years ago

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the only authorised online booking platforms for NRC train services are Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) at https://nrc-fane.ng, Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) at https://nrc.tps.ng and Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) at https://nrc.gsds.ng,” the statement read.

    Passengers were further urged to verify all booking platforms through the NRC official website www.nrc.gov.ng or by contacting its customer service centres.

    Unyimadu added that the management is working with security agencies to track and prosecute those behind the fraudulent sites, assuring passengers of the corporation’s commitment to their safety and satisfaction.

  • NRC debunks viral video of train fire, says incident happened three years ago

    NRC debunks viral video of train fire, says incident happened three years ago

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has debunked a viral video making the rounds on social media allegedly showing a train coach on fire, clarifying that the footage is outdated and misleading.

    In a statement on Sunday, the NRC said the video, which has been widely shared on Facebook and other platforms, depicts an incident that occurred over three years ago along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor.

    “The attention of the Nigerian Railway Corporation has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media, particularly Facebook, purporting to show one of our train coaches on fire,” the statement read.

    “We wish to categorically clarify that the incident in question occurred over three years ago along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor. The video is not recent and does not reflect the current state of operations or safety on any of our train services.”

    Read Also: NRC denies vandalism, neglect of Umuahia rail tracks

    The Corporation urged members of the public to refrain from spreading misleading content, warning that such acts could incite fear and panic among commuters and the wider public.

    “The circulation of false or outdated information undermines public trust and national development and should be strongly discouraged,” it said.

    Reaffirming its commitment to safety and efficiency, the NRC noted that it continues to enhance its operations in line with international best practices and global safety standards.

    “We remain steadfast in our commitment to safety, comfort, and improved service delivery for all Nigerians,” the Corporation added.

  • NRC denies vandalism, neglect of Umuahia rail tracks

    NRC denies vandalism, neglect of Umuahia rail tracks

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has dismissed reports alleging vandalism and abandonment of rail infrastructure in Umuahia, Abia State, assuring the public that the tracks remain intact and are under constant surveillance.

    Speaking to journalists after a nationwide survey of railway assets, the NRC Station Manager in Umuahia, Mr. Joseph Odoh, emphasised that the Eastern rail corridor is not neglected.

    He credited the corporation’s internal security measures and support from external agencies for maintaining the safety of the tracks.

    “Our operatives and security partners patrol regularly, and staff are vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity,” Odoh said.

    Read Also: Five institutions, NRC sign pact on local manpower growth

    He acknowledged that while the station’s streetlights were currently non-functional, it did not imply neglect. According to him, the Eastern rail line is undergoing revitalisation under a Federal Government initiative led by NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa.

    He noted that the Port Harcourt–Aba section has already been completed, with work on the Umuahia axis set to follow.

    Despite these assurances, concerns linger among residents and railway staff. NRC Ticketmaster, Mr. Festus Okeke, appealed for faster completion of the project, stating: “We need a fully operational line like Lagos. Many staff members come to work with no services to manage. A functional railway will help reduce the burden of rising transport costs.”

  • NRC: Leadership by example

    NRC: Leadership by example

    SIR: Last Friday, at about 7:45 a.m. inside a train from Rigasa to Idu, Abuja, I had a remarkable encounter that left a lasting impression on me about leadership in Nigeria. While seated in Coach 20 of the Nigeria Railway Corporation train, I met a humble and well-spoken gentleman who joined us on a three-seat bench.

    After exchanging pleasantries, he engaged me and my friend in a thoughtful conversation about railway transportation in Nigeria, particularly our experiences along the Abuja-Kaduna route. We spoke openly, highlighting both the positive aspects and areas where we believed improvements were needed.

    Throughout the discussion, he listened with genuine interest, asked insightful questions, and responded thoughtfully. His calm, respectful, and unassuming manner stood out.

    To our surprise, it was only after we introduced ourselves that we discovered he was the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation.

    Read Also: NRC extends special Eid-el-Kabir train service

    What struck me most was how approachable and down-to-earth he was. There was no air of superiority or entitlement. He embodied what true leadership should be, engaging directly with people, listening to honest feedback, and leading by example.

    Upon arrival at Idu station, he quickly got down and ensured the elevator was operational. For the first time in years of using the train, I was able to use both the elevator and the escalator; an immediate and visible impact of proactive leadership.

    That brief encounter reminded me that leadership isn’t just about occupying a position; it’s about being present, humble, and willing to learn from those you serve.

    • Engr. S.O Yahaya Kaduna.
  • NRC extends special Eid-el-Kabir train service

    NRC extends special Eid-el-Kabir train service

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has extended its special Eid-el-Kabir train service on the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge routes in response to rising passenger demand.

    The extension follows the overwhelming success of earlier special trips operated on Thursday, June 5, which recorded full bookings and heavy commuter traffic.

    The additional trips are scheduled for Monday, June 9 and are aimed at easing the return journey for festive travelers.

    The updated timetable shows departures from Lagos to Ibadan at 8:00 a.m., 1:55 p.m. (additional trip), and 4:46 p.m., with the last reflecting a shift from the usual 4:00 p.m. departure. For the return leg, Ibadan to Lagos trains will depart at 8:00 a.m., 11:03 a.m. (additional trip), and 4:00 p.m.

    Read Also: NRC adds extra trips for Lagos-Ibadan route, announces special Eid service

    In a further move to accommodate the sustained high demand, NRC will also extend its six-trip daily service on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor—usually limited to weekends—into Tuesday, June 11.

    Trains will depart Abuja for Kaduna at 7:45am, 2:00 pm and 3:10 pm while Kaduna to Abuja trips are scheduled for 7:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

    NRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the decision reflects the corporation’s responsiveness to public needs and its commitment to providing efficient, timely, and safe rail services.

    “We are pleased with the public’s response to our special services. These additional trips are part of our commitment to meeting the growing demand for rail mobility,” he stated.

  • NRC adds extra trips for Lagos-Ibadan route, announces special Eid service

    NRC adds extra trips for Lagos-Ibadan route, announces special Eid service

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced additional train services for the Lagos-Ibadan route and a special festive operation on the Warri-Itakpe corridor as part of efforts to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the Eid-al-Kabir celebrations.

    According to the NRC, an extra trip has been added to the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The move is aimed at easing the pressure on travellers commuting between the two cities during the Muslim holiday period.

    The revised Thursday schedule is as follows:

    Lagos to Ibadan:

    8:00 a.m.

    1:55 p.m. (Additional Trip)

    4:00 p.m.

    Ibadan to Lagos:

    8:00 a.m.

    11:03 a.m. (Additional Trip)

    4:46 p.m. (Note: this is a revised departure time from the original 4:00 p.m.)

    In addition to the Lagos-Ibadan service, the NRC will operate a special train on the Warri-Itakpe route, which is normally reserved for routine maintenance on Thursdays.

    Read Also: NRC, Pi-CNG signs MoU to power cleaner sustainable transition energy

    The management has rescheduled maintenance operations on the corridor to Sunday, June 8, 2025, to accommodate this special service.

    Meanwhile, the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will continue to run on its regular schedule, with additional coaches attached to cater to the increased passenger volume expected during the festive period.

    Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of a seamless travel experience and reiterated the Corporation’s commitment to efficient and customer-oriented service delivery.

    “We wish all passengers a safe and pleasant journey as they travel to celebrate with their loved ones. NRC remains committed to providing safe and reliable railway transport across the country,” he said.

    The NRC urged passengers to make use of the additional trips and adhere to all safety protocols during their travels.

  • NRC, Pi-CNG signs MoU to power cleaner sustainable transition energy

    NRC, Pi-CNG signs MoU to power cleaner sustainable transition energy

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) on Friday, set the tone for deeper penetration of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    The Managing Director Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the ceremony which took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Mega Station at Yaba, as a critical leap towards a sustainable future for the railway industry.

    He also described the partnership as another befitting celebration of the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration which last year commenced the advocacy for cleaner natural energy transition to power transportation.

    Dr Opeifa who recalled the journey of the Initiative as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s response to the removal of petrol subsidy, said evidence has shown that the adoption of the CNG, would ultimately lead to significant drop in carbon footprint, a cut in the soaring rate of food inflation and boost the economy.

    He described the Renewed partnership between NRC and the Pi-CNG as a significant step towards a cleaner, more efficient rail transportation system as the rail, which is the safest cost effective means of transporting goods and passengers with the least carbon footprint relies on traditional fossil fuel.

    “It is time to explore alternative options that benefit both our operations and the environment. Today, we strive to further reduce our carbon footprint by converting our locomotives and other diesel powered equipment to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).”

    Opeifa said the CNG will help cut down on maintenance cost by between 60-70%, contribute to improved air quality and reduce dependence on petrol and diesel, apart from stimulating economic growth by creating jobs and provides significant savings for the railway industry.

    ‘This collaboration will save the corporation between N50 million to N100 million monthly, translating to N1.2 billion yearly, which can be deployed to other areas of need for the corporation,” he said. 

    Opeifa said the collaboration with the Pi-CNG will focus on four key areas: conversion of existing diesel locomotives, and especially all diesel generators and operational vehicles across all its offices to training of students at the Corporation’s training centres as conversion technicians.

    Other collaboration include facilitating the distribution of transportation of CNG-Powered tricycles and conversion kits across the country, and the deployment of CNG buses for last mile shuttle services, thereby enhancing intermodal mobility and efficiency at the rail stations.

    He lauded the Pi-CNG for donating CNG -powered bus to the NRC, and the branding of coaches by Pi-CNG to create awareness for the initiative.

    On his part, the Programme Director of the Pi-CNG Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi

    said the count of CNG-propelled vehicles have moved from less than 50,000 last year, to over 100,000 while the Programme hopes to convert no fewer than 250,000 and hoping to achieve the Presidential mandate of conversion of one million commercial buses to CNG by 2026.

    He said has had to confront misinformation about the CNG and it’s massive adoption by Nigerians are true testimony that Nigeria is ripe for a new transition energy to power its transportation needs.

    He said since last year the Pi-CNG has attracted over $500 million investment in the establishment of Mother and Daughter stations as platforms for ensuring the CNG penetration, apart from creating 25,000 direct employment in the CNG ecosystem.

    Read Also: 803 firms jostle for NRC contracts

    He said the Pi-CNG would love to establish daughter stations for the NRC at Ebute Metta and Abuja, to enable the use of gas either to power the locomotives of to provide gas to power rail operations.

    Oluwagbemi said the Pi-CNG would be leveraging on the NRC to establish more conversion centres across the country in order to encourage greater adoption and access to the product by Nigerians. He added that the idea is to have not less than 250,000 centres across the country, from the about 50,000 as at May, this year.

    In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr Abimbola Akinajo, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for removal of subsidy on fuel and diving straight for the CNG.

    She said: “We are excited at LAMATA by that pronouncement by Mr President. We have been waiting for this because it gave us the necessary backing.”

    She said LAMATA would continue to partner with Pi-CNG in its initiatives aimed at promoting cleaner and environmental friendly energy in the country.

    Others who also spoke in same vein lauded the partnership which they said would further promote greater visibility and enhance the penetration of the CNG by motoring public.

  • Warri-Itakpe train services resume April 30 — NRC

    Warri-Itakpe train services resume April 30 — NRC

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) will resume operations on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

    The service had been suspended since April 10 following a series of technical and operational challenges, including multiple engine failures.

    In a statement, the NRC confirmed that its engineers have resolved the issues and enhanced the system’s operational efficiency and service delivery.

    “The NRC management, led by MD/CEO Dr. Kayode Opeifa, sincerely apologizes to passengers, stakeholders, and the general public for the disruption caused during the suspension,” the statement read. “Our engineers have worked diligently to rectify the issues and enhance service delivery.”

    Read Also: Warri-Itakpe train service resumes tomorrow, says NRC

    The Corporation further announced that beginning May 1, 2025, the Warri-Itakpe route will run six days a week—Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday—while Thursdays will be reserved for routine maintenance of both track and rolling stock.

    In addressing the concerns of affected passengers, the NRC disclosed that all those who requested refunds during the suspension period have been duly refunded. 

    Passengers who opted not to seek a refund can now revalidate their tickets for any travel day of choice through the E-ticketing platform.