By Fatima Saka
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has tendered an unreserved apology to journalists and media institutions over remarks he described as “unkind” and made “in the heat of the moment” following the August 26 train accident at Asham Town, Kaduna State.
Opeifa, speaking at a press briefing on Sunday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat, Abuja, said the incident had created a wrong impression that he was not a friend of the media.
“I wish to offer my apology for the regrettable remarks I made, which were not only directed at a seasoned journalist but also reflected unfavorably on the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ. For this, I take full responsibility and I am sorry,” he stated.
The NRC boss specifically apologised to Comrade Ladi Bala, former National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and current NRC Ambassador for Media Advocacy, the management of NTA, NAWOJ members, and the wider media community.
Opeifa reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a respectful relationship between the NRC and journalists, noting: “The media remain my and NRC’s friends and valued partners. Your ability to perform your duties freely and without intimidation is indispensable to our society.”
Beyond the apology, Opeifa used the occasion to outline the corporation’s short-, medium- and long-term reform agenda to reposition the 127-year-old institution in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on transportation.
Among the highlights:
Immediate measures: Track restoration, recovery and safety audits; completion of ongoing reforms; and full freight deployment of the Lagos–Kano narrow gauge line.
Medium-term (2–5 years): Expansion of services, consolidation of reforms, and full rollout of the Nigeria Integrated Rail Infrastructure Master Plan.
Long-term (5–10 years): Migration to renewable energy-powered trains, introduction of high-speed rail, and adoption of global best practices through strong public-private partnerships.
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He stressed that despite the setback of the Kaduna accident, NRC remains committed to revitalising the rail sector for national development.
“While the Asham accident was an unfortunate distraction, our mandate remains clear. We will not relent in driving reforms to build a reliable, safe, and world-class railway system Nigerians can be proud of,” he assured.
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