Tinubu’s administration to deliver world-class rail system-NRC boss
BY TEMITOPE ADEBAYO
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has assured Nigerians that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country will develop a modern rail system comparable to global standards.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Opeifa disclosed that the Federal Government would unveil a comprehensive railway master plan next month, reinforcing its commitment to rail infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He revealed that the Tinubu administration has approved federal support for state governments to develop intra-city rail networks connecting to the national rail corridor, a move set to revolutionise urban transportation.
Opeifa commended LAMATA’s success in operating the Red and Blue Line metro trains, describing the Blue Line’s electric-powered operations as proof that Nigeria can achieve world-class rail systems.
“The Blue Line is an example that nothing is impossible. In the next five years, Nigeria will witness a transformation in its rail sector, with new-generation train systems operating nationwide,” he said.
He lamented that Nigeria built only 3,500km of rail tracks in 60 years and then halted further expansion for another six decades. However, he assured that the Tinubu administration is determined to reverse this stagnation and sustain ongoing investments in rail transport.
Opeifa emphasised that expanding rail services would ease transportation burdens, reduce poverty, and help curb inflation. He expressed optimism that every state in the federation would eventually operate train services, allowing NRC to focus on freight transportation.
He further disclosed that four more states—Plateau, Niger, Bauchi, and Ogun—are in advanced talks to establish their own rail systems, following Lagos’ successful model.
LAMATA Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo hailed Opeifa’s appointment and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with NRC to advance Lagos’ rail transportation initiatives.
In a related development, the Managing Director of Inland Container Nigeria Ltd (ICNL), Omotayo Dada, met with Opeifa to discuss expanding containerised rail freight to northern Nigeria, reinforcing NRC’s role in facilitating trade and logistics.
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Opeifa reiterated that the corporation is committed to supporting businesses, state governments, and the private sector through its structured Track Access Business Model and freight movement priorities, ensuring Nigeria’s railways become a key driver of economic growth.
