The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed his commitment to making rail transport the preferred mobility option in the country......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
This is coming after the sector had faced security threats in recent times.
Recall that on March 28, 2022, terrorists attacked a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna. This attack resulted in the tragic death of at least eight passengers and the abduction of 61 others.
In response to pressure from victims’ families, the federal government suspended train services on this route indefinitely.
In June 2024, the Warri-Itakpe train service was suspended after the train from Kogi to Delta derailed.
These incidents have affected Nigerians’ trust in the sector’s efficiency due to fears of abduction, among other security concerns.
Opeifa said the corporation is focused on improving passenger experience by increasing the number of coaches and enhancing train frequency.
He emphasized the corporation’s focus on providing more passenger coaches and wagons to enhance convenience, safety, and affordability for Nigerians.
“NRC is working at making rail a preferred transport alternative. Pledges increased coaches and wagon movement frequency.
“The corporation is determined to make the trains the preferred mobility alternative across the country.
“The provision of passenger coaches and wagons is a top priority of the management in its determination to provide a convenient mobility alternative that is affordable, safe, and secure to Nigerians,”he said.
Speaking further while playing host to reggae artist John Odafe Asimoh, popularly known as Daddy Showkey, Opeifa commended him for turning a challenging situation into a positive experience for passengers.
“It is gratifying that celebrities such as Daddy Showkey find time to take a ride in our train.”
He further assured that the management was committed to ensuring hitch-free train operations that would attract Nigerians’ patronage.
Responding, Daddy Showkey expressed confidence in Opeifa’s leadership, stating that his appointment as MD was a step in the right direction by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I have confidence in Opeifa’s competence in driving positive change in the railway corporation, judging from his track records as the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State,” Daddy Showkey said.