Rail Reforms Yielding Positive Results: NRC Expands Services Nationwide – Dr Opeifa
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has announced that the ongoing reforms in the country’s railway system are producing positive results, with an increasing number of Nigerians taking advantage of rail services across various states. Speaking on national television, Dr. Opeifa highlighted the progress made in revitalizing the rail system to serve the economic and social integration needs of the country.
Dr. Opeifa revealed that the NRC has plans to extend its services to more locations, including Minna and Kaduna, and has already seen significant interest from private logistics companies.
He cited the example of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, where pipes were transported by rail from Warri Port, describing it as a “railway cargo revolution.” This development is expected to optimize the rail system, reduce transportation costs, and improve national logistics.
He said the NRC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG) to reduce diesel dependence and operational costs.
The partnership will involve converting diesel engines to CNG-compatible engines and training young Nigerians in various technologies, including CNG conversion.
Dr. Opeifa commended the capacity and resilience of Nigerian railway engineers, highlighting their ability to restore broken-down engines on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) within three days.
He emphasized the need to showcase this capacity and expand it beyond the rail sector.
He further noted that the NRC’s vision is to have a railway system that facilitates economic, regional, and social integration.
Dr. Opeifa noted that if the transport sector’s contribution to GDP reaches at least 6%, it would drive national development and poverty alleviation through lower transportation and logistics costs.
Dr. Opeifa highlighted practical examples of the benefits of the rail system, including commuters saving up to 50% in travel costs.
He also mentioned the newly operational Port Harcourt-Aba line, which is boosting trade and commerce.
The NRC plans to expand its services to Enugu and other regions, with significant investment already committed to infrastructure and modern stations.
Dr. Opeifa expressed concern about the frequent attacks on railway assets, especially in the North Central region, and urged Nigerians to support the federal government’s rail revolution.
He assured that more announcements and projects will roll out in the coming months, with the NRC determined to provide rail services that are accessible, affordable, and beneficial to all Nigerians.
