The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NRC

  • Warri-Itakpe train service resumes tomorrow, says NRC

    Warri-Itakpe train service resumes tomorrow, says NRC

    The suspended Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) suspended since April 10, due to technical and operational glitches would now resume operations tomorrow.

    This was contained in a statement released yesterday by the Acting Deputy Director Public Relations, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Callistus Unyinmadu.

    Unyinmadu stated that the suspension of WITS was due to multiple engine failures.

    “Management further informed the public of the efforts of its engineers to rectify the situation and the necessity to further suspend the services to enable management to improve on the operational capacity, redundancy, and customer service delivery.

    “After a critical review of the operational and technical situations, management is pleased to announce the recommencement of the services, starting from tomorrow,” the statement added.

    Read Also: FG prioritising Enugu-PH railway project, says NRC MD

    It added that the WIT service has now been rescheduled to run for six days a week – Friday to Wednesday, while the service will be rested every Thursday for track and rolling stock maintenance on the WITS route.

    NRC’s MD/CEO, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, while thanking the public for their understanding while the service was on hold, said: “We value your continued patronage and commitment to NRC.”

    Recall that while most passengers were refunded in full as offered by NRC, passengers who opted not to be refunded, can further revalidate their existing tickets for services on any day of their choice, using our e-ticketing platforms.

  • FG prioritising Enugu-PH railway project, says NRC MD

    FG prioritising Enugu-PH railway project, says NRC MD

    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.

    Dr. 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 the 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.

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

    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 forward 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 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 saw the difference this administration is making.

    “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.

  • FG prioritising Enugu-PH railway project – NRC MD

    FG prioritising Enugu-PH railway project – NRC MD

    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.

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

    “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 suspends Warri-Itakpe train services over technical disruption

    NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe train services over technical disruption

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has temporarily suspended operations on the Warri-Itakpe rail line following a major technical fault that occurred on Tuesday, April 9, 2025.

    In a statement, the NRC disclosed that engine failures affected both the 8:00 AM train departing from Warri and the 2:00 PM service from Itakpe, with the disruption beginning around 1:38 PM. 

    Emergency recovery efforts were launched but were hindered by additional engine-related complications.

    To ensure passenger safety, the NRC organized road transport to evacuate travelers, who were guided about 500 meters from the affected train to waiting vehicles under the supervision of security personnel. 

    Some passengers opted for alternative arrangements before the recovery teams arrived—a decision the NRC said it fully understands due to the delay.

    Read Also: NRC suspends Warri-Itakpetrain operations

    As a precaution, the Corporation has suspended all services along the corridor for 72 hours to allow a comprehensive technical audit and address the issues.

    Affected passengers can request full refunds or revalidate their tickets for future use. 

    NRC said details on how to access these options are available on its website, customer care lines, and station offices.

    Apologizing for the inconvenience, the NRC reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and service reliability.

    “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by this unexpected disruption,” said NRC spokesperson Henrietta Eregare. We take full responsibility and are working diligently to restore normal operations. We remain committed to the safety, reliability, and comfort of our passengers.”

    The NRC expressed appreciation to the public for their patience and support during this period.

  • NRC suspends Warri-Itakpetrain operations

    NRC suspends Warri-Itakpetrain operations

    Train services on the Warri-Itakpe route have been suspended by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)  due to a mechanical fault on its locomotive.

    The mechanical fault which occurred around 1:30 pm yesterday left over 200 passengers stranded.  The incident according to an official of the corporation happened about 14 kilometres to Itakpe.

    The official told The Nation that the passengers were evacuated to Itakpe.

    Read Also: NRC, SEDC to partner on rail rehabilitation

    Prior to their evacuation, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security, Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes were deployed to the area to beef up security in the area.

     The corporation, in a notice announcing confirming the development,  apologised for the inconvenience caused the passengers.

    It promised that service would resume on the route today  ‘’as our  team is working diligently to resolve the issue.’’ 

  • NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe train operations as engine develops fault

    NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe train operations as engine develops fault

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train operations on its Warri-Itakpe route due to mechanical fault on its locomotive.

    The mechanical fault which occurred around 1:30pm on Wednesday left over 200 passengers stranded.

    The incident, according to an official in the NRC, happened about 14 kilometres to Itakpe.

    Confirming the incident to The Nation, a top official in NRC, who pleaded anonymity, said passengers were evacuated via vehicles to Itakpe.

    Prior to their evacuation, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security, Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes were deployed to the area to beef up security in the area.

    The official also confirmed that all vehicles that evacuated stranded passengers arrived Itakpe before 3:00pm.

    Read Also: NDLEA seizes 56kg of drugs, arrests 112 suspects in Ebonyi

    The suspension of the train operations is contained in an official notice made available to The Nation.

    The notice reads: “Important Notice to Train Crew and Passengers;
    We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen mechanical issues, we are forced to cancel:- Today’s afternoon (Wednesday) train from Itakpe to Warri and tomorrow’s (Thursday 10th April, 2025) trains WITS 01 and WITS 02

    “Train operations will resume on Friday, April 11th, 2025. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Our team is working diligently to resolve the issue and ensure a smooth service.

    “Thank you for your patience and cooperation. We look forward to serving you better”.

  • Plateau, NRC sign MoU to revive Jos–Kuru rail corridor

    Plateau, NRC sign MoU to revive Jos–Kuru rail corridor

    In a landmark step to revamp Nigeria’s rail infrastructure and improve regional connectivity, the Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to restore and operate the historic Jos–Kuru rail corridor.

    The MoU was signed at the NRC headquarters in Lagos by Plateau State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Jatau Davou, and NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa. 

    According to a statement issued by The NRC media team, the agreement represents a major milestone in efforts to stimulate economic growth, reduce transportation costs, and enhance mobility within Plateau State and its surrounding regions.

    At the official signing ceremony, Davou expressed deep appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Hon. Said Ahmed Alkali, and Dr. Opeifa for their steadfast support in pushing the project forward despite various hurdles.

    “This is not just about rail transportation; it is about restoring hope and economic prosperity to our people,” Davou noted, adding that; “we appreciate the United Nations for debunking negative narratives about our dear state and reaffirming our commitment to national development.”

    The Jos–Kuru line, a segment of the historic Kafanchan–Kuru route linking the National Western from Lagos to Kano and the Eastern line from PH to Maiduguri, will serve as a vital link between the Western and Eastern rail corridors. 

    It will connect local communities, support farmers and traders with efficient cargo movement, and ultimately drive down the cost and duration of travel within the state. While the service will initially operate on the existing narrow gauge, plans are underway to expand to modern standard gauge networks as part of a broader national railway modernisation programme.

    In his remarks, Opeifa emphasized the importance of federal-state cooperation in infrastructure development, lauding the Plateau State government’s proactive role in partnering through the NRC-Railing with the States and the PSG Railway on the Plateau.

    “This partnership demonstrates how government at all levels can collaborate beyond politics, to deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.

    We’re not just bringing trains; we’re bringing back dignity, economic empowerment, and national integration,” Opeifa added.

    Read Also: Plateau killings: IGP orders deployment of tactical squads, assets

    He also clarified that recent reports of railway coaches were being stolen were misinformed. “Those coaches were not stolen. They were redeployed to Plateau where they are now being put to productive use”.

    The project is expected to generate jobs, stimulate local businesses, and offer new opportunities through train services.

    He disclosed that the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Said Alkali, threw his full weight behind this project, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and pledging the full support of the federal government in ensuring that it delivered full dividends of rail services to the average Nigerians who badly needed these services.

    “We will continue to rail across Nigeria—from Jos to Borno, from Aba to Port Harcourt, and everywhere in between. This is a new dawn for Nigerian rail.”

    He said he looked forward to the commencement of commercial operation on the corridor anytime soon, in order to assure the people of the Plateau of the commitment of the federal government under the Tinubu administration to take rail transportation to all nooks and crannies of the country.

  • Two suspected vandals arrested as NRC intensifies crackdown on railway theft

    Two suspected vandals arrested as NRC intensifies crackdown on railway theft

    Two suspected vandals were arrested on Thursday by operatives of the North Central District (NCD) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Nigerian Railway Police Command in a renewed effort to curb the vandalism of the nation’s railway assets. 

    In a statement issued on Sunday, NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Mahmood Yakub, revealed that the arrests followed intelligence reports leading to the discovery of a private apartment in Kafanchan, Jemaa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where stolen railway materials were hidden. 

    According to the statement, security operatives stormed the premises after reports indicated that vandals were using it as a hideout. Recovered items included 25 short rails and 91 sleepers, which were found stacked in two separate buildings on the property. 

    Read Also: NRC eyes 100% cargo movement nationwide

    The two suspects were taken into custody at the Railway Police Station in Kafanchan, while investigations continue to track down other gang members still at large.

    The recovered materials are currently being held at the Railway District Police Station as exhibits. 

    Meanwhile, the NRC, under the leadership of Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating vandalism of critical railway infrastructure.

    He commended the Railway Police Area Command in Kafanchan for their efforts in apprehending the suspects and recovering stolen materials. 

    Opeifa also urged residents along railway corridors to report any suspicious activities related to vandalism to law enforcement agencies.

  • NRC, APM terminals relaunch Lagos-Ibadan cargo train

    NRC, APM terminals relaunch Lagos-Ibadan cargo train

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in collaboration with APM Terminals, Apapa has  resumed the Lagos-Ibadan cargo train with 35 containers departing the Lagos Port container terminal for Moniya in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Speaking during the re-launch of the Lagos-Ibadan cargo train on the standard gauge rail yesterday,  the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa revealed that the train haulage will take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with each train trip carrying 35 wagons of 35 by 40ft or 35 wagons of 70 by 20ft Containers or a mixture of both sizes. Freight services from APMT to Moniya in Ibadan commenced in September 2023, with the likes of Bueno Logistics and Transco Africa Logistics blazing the trail among customers using the single transitional line.

     “I am delighted to officially welcome you to the flag-off of container movement from Apapa to Moniya in Ibadan on the standard gauge rail.

    “Though, NRC and APM Terminals have a long history of doing business of container traffic to places in the hinterland of Nigeria such as; Kaduna, Kano, but it is mainly on the narrow gauge lines.

    “However, container traffic movement by rail on the standard gauge in and out of APM Terminals to Moniya freight yard in Ibadan commenced on September 2023 with the likes of Bueno Logistics and Transco Africa Logistics blazing the trail among other customers using the single “transitional line” in APMT,” Opeifa said.

    Read Also: NRC’s MD Opeifa pledges commitment to rail efficiency, workers’ welfare

    He said further that “two additional lines are at an advanced stage of completion in APMT which will bring the total lines within the APMT standard gauge corridor to three lines.

    “While this milestone event marks the commencement of container traffic expansion on the standard gauge rail Line from APMT Terminal to Moniya Ibadan Freight yard, this will facilitate the import and export of commodities with adequate convenience and hitch-free vehicle movement.

    He added that “the container traffic is scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with each train trip carrying 35 wagons of 35 by 40ft or 35 wagons of 70 by 20ft Containers or a mixture of both sizes. The record made available to us shows that NRC moved 362,327 tonnage of containers, import and export, in and out of APM Terminal both on the Standard and Narrow gauges in the year 2024.

    “The Federal Government under the leadership of Mr President is fully committed to the revitalisation and modernisation project of the Nigerian Railway Corporation for an efficient rail system.

    “As part of the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President, this is one of the surest ways to address the cost of goods, the standard of living and multi-dimensional poverty.”

    Also speaking, the Executive Secretary/Ceo of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC),  Pius Ukeyima Akutah explained that the resumption of rail haulage will lead to the decongestion of the port terminals.

    “You will recall that this time last year, the NSC and the NRC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to look into the possibility of developing a rail transport system to support trade.

    “We at the NSC understand that rail transport happens to be the cheapest and safest when it comes to trade.

    “I must commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing necessary support towards the development of infrastructure that supports trade facilitation,” Akutah said.

    Speaking on behalf of APM Terminals, the terminal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi highlighted the improvements made to the service since its initial introduction in September 2023.

    “The new schedule ensures trains depart three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays— providing businesses with greater predictability and efficiency.

    “Unlike the previous system, where trains departed only when fully loaded, the structured timetable allows customers to plan shipments in advance. Additionally, payments for the service have been streamlined, with customers now paying exclusively to APM Terminals Apapa, which will facilitate transactions with all relevant stakeholders.

    “The relaunch comes at a crucial time, as traffic congestion in Apapa continues to drive up road transport costs. By offering a cost-effective and time-saving alternative, the rail service aims to support Nigeria’s trade and export sector, particularly benefiting agricultural producers and perishable goods exporters,” Aubert-Adewuyi said.

    One of APM Terminal’s customers who is the Managing Director of TranscoAfrica Logistics, Mr Ayo Olunuga, who spoke on behalf of other customers described the initiative as fantastic and long in coming, adding that it will address infrastructural deficiencies, prolong the road Infrastructure as it would reduce the dead weight of containerised trailers and trucks, and boost import and export trade.

    “We have been expecting this for a long time and we would support the APM Terminal and the NRC to make the initiative super successful. We look forward to this project achieving all the aims it was meant to achieve,” Olunuga said.

  • NRC, APMT seal plan to expand cargo movement to Ibadan

    NRC, APMT seal plan to expand cargo movement to Ibadan

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC) has concluded arrangement with the management of APM Terminals to commence the expansion of cargo movement from Apapa port, Lagos to Nigeria Railway Corporation freight yard in  Moniya, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    This emerged after a meeting between the Managing Director of NRC Dr. Kayode Opeifa, who was assisted by the Director of Operation, Mr. Akin Osinowo, while the APM Terminals delegates was led by the CEO APM Terminals Nigeria, Mr Frederik Klinke, and CCO APM Terminals Nigeria, Mrs Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi.

    Klinke reiterated APMT’s position as the foremost transporter of container freight in the country and a major partner to Nigerian Railway Corporation. 

    Read Also: Never let online negativity control you, influencer Demure advises

    He highlighted the strategic advantage Nigeria held, being surrounded by a number of landlocked neighbouring countries creating an opportunity to service as a hub for importation of containerized goods. 

    APMT assured NRC of greater efficiency in turnaround of cargo at the port and expansion of the use of rail for cargo evacuation and export through APM Terminals. 

    The MD of NRC expressed appreciation for APM Terminal’s close partnership with NRC which goes back to decades.

    He stated that the collaboration is going to be of tremendous benefit for both parties as; “we are going to work for the satisfaction for not only the APMT but all customers who intend to do business with Railways’’. 

    The MD said like he iterated in his maiden speech at the assumption of office, “prioritizing customers’ satisfaction by improving customer experience and ensuring that our services are reliable, efficient, safe and sustainable” remain cardinal to him.

    He added that all key stakeholders including the media, will be deployed extensively to encourage people towards greater use of the rail system. 

    This will invariably translate into drastically reducing the cost of goods and services; it will also increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by providing food security, which is in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.