Lawal kazeem Oyetayo

Lawal kazeem Oyetayo Railway Movement

25/05/2026
25/05/2026
Adeola Odutola College Alumni Applaud NRC Over Memorable Ibadan ExcursionApril 23, 2026.The Nigerian Railway Corporation...
23/04/2026

Adeola Odutola College Alumni Applaud NRC Over Memorable Ibadan Excursion
April 23, 2026.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Thursday hosted members of the 1970–1974 alumni set of Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu-Ode, on a delightful excursion trip to Ibadan.

Led by their coordinator, Mrs. Folake Pedro, the group journeyed by rail, turning the outing into a nostalgic and memorable reunion.

Speaking during the trip, Mrs. Pedro expressed appreciation to the Corporation for its warm reception and smooth coordination. She described the experience as outstanding, noting that the train ride was both relaxing and enjoyable for all participants.

Beyond rekindling old friendships, the excursion also highlighted the comfort and efficiency of contemporary rail services. The alumni’s positive experience underscores the growing appeal of rail transport, particularly among senior citizens, reaffirming train travel as a safe, convenient, and stress-free option while encouraging more Nigerians to embrace the unique experience of exploring the nation by rail.

22/04/2026

Police Recover ₦400m Railway Tracks, Dismantle Crime Syndicate

Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad have recovered approximately 60 tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers, valued at over ₦400 million. The recovery followed a coordinated operation that intercepted suspects attempting to transport the stolen government-owned materials, which had been cleverly concealed beneath sacks of groundnut shells.

This incident raises a pressing question: can any nation truly achieve sustainable development under such conditions? Acts like these undermine critical infrastructure, stall economic progress, and erode collective prosperity. Nigeria’s growth depends not only on government action, but also on a shared commitment by citizens to protect and preserve national assets.

22/04/2026

Railway Infrastructure Is a Strategic National Asset, Not Scrap.

The recent apprehension of individuals linked to the theft of railway materials valued at over ₦400 million serves as a grave reminder of the urgent need to protect Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. This incident transcends mere criminal activity; it underscores a troubling mischaracterization of vital national assets as disposable scrap.

Railway tracks and associated components are not commodities for illicit trade. They are integral elements of Nigeria’s transportation framework, deliberately designed to support economic growth, facilitate commerce, and enhance national connectivity. Their vandalism or theft constitutes not only a significant economic loss but also a direct threat to public safety, operational efficiency, and national development.

It is imperative to recognize that such infrastructure represents a collective investment funded by public resources for the benefit of all citizens. The persistent perception of these materials as “scrap” reflects a broader societal challenge that must be addressed through sustained public awareness and education.

The efforts of security agencies in intercepting stolen railway materials and dismantling criminal networks are commendable and demonstrate a firm commitment to safeguarding national interests. However, enforcement measures alone cannot fully resolve this issue. A coordinated approach involving government institutions, local communities, and relevant stakeholders is essential to ensure the protection and preservation of these assets.

Citizens must be encouraged to adopt a sense of ownership and responsibility by remaining vigilant and providing credible information to security authorities. Protecting national infrastructure is a shared duty, and its neglect carries far-reaching consequences for the nation’s progress.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s railway infrastructure must be treated with the seriousness it deserves—as a strategic national asset indispensable to sustainable development, not as scrap for opportunistic exploitation.

Members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations have praised the ongoing transformation within the Nigerian Railwa...
22/04/2026

Members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations have praised the ongoing transformation within the Nigerian Railway Corporation, noting that recent improvements in rail services reflect growing efficiency and renewed national promise.

The commendation was made on Monday as NIPR members boarded the Abuja–Kaduna train en route to their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kaduna State.

The journey, which was filled to capacity largely by Institute members, turned into a lively networking platform, with professionals reconnecting and exchanging ideas ahead of the conference.

This year’s AGM is taking place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, situated within Murtala Square in Kaduna, where communication experts from across the country have gathered to discuss emerging trends in public relations.
Participants from different state chapters, particularly from southern Nigeria, first converged in Abuja before proceeding by train to Kaduna alongside colleagues from the Federal Capital Territory.

💫 NRC Joins the Self-Sufficient ClubThere’s rare good news when a Federal Government agency stops relying on annual hand...
20/04/2026

💫 NRC Joins the Self-Sufficient Club

There’s rare good news when a Federal Government agency stops relying on annual handouts to survive.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has now entered that small circle of self-sustaining agencies. It no longer needs the yearly “oxygen” of budgetary allocation to stay alive. Only two other federal bodies have achieved this in the past decade: JAMB and NIMASA.

Under Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the NRC has posted a strong 2025 performance report with two highlights: rising passenger numbers and a cargo boom.

💫Revenue beats target

The corporation generated ₦7.46 billion in 2025, surpassing its ₦7 billion target by 11 percent. The biggest driver was freight. Cargo revenue hit ₦3.02 billion — nearly ten times the ₦347.8 million recorded in 2021.

That growth reflects expanded services linking port terminals to inland depots, plus bulk haulage of cement, steel, and other industrial inputs. As Opeifa put it, “Rail freight is returning as a major force in Nigeria’s transport economy.” Manufacturers and state governments are increasingly shifting heavy goods back to rail, aided by better pricing, improved use of rolling stock, and strong demand on busy routes.

💫Passengers return despite setbacks

Passenger confidence is also rebounding. Even with disruptions from climate-related damage, people are choosing rail again. The Lagos-Kano narrow gauge line suffered washouts at Dagbolu, Arogbo, and Ikirun in Osun State, cutting Lafarge’s cement movement to Ilorin. In June 2025, flooding at Mokwa destroyed 500 metres of track, disrupting northwest and southwest corridors. The Warri-Itakpe line was shut for 60 days for safety repairs, while the Abuja-Kaduna route was down for 30 days in August. There was also track damage at Asham in Benue State.

Yet passenger numbers held steady, suggesting that insecurity has not deterred rail travel as much as feared. In 2023, passenger traffic fell from 3.21 million to 2.18 million, but revenue still climbed to ₦5.17 billion.

💫 The bigger funding picture
Between 2010 and 2025, the government appropriated ₦330.8 billion for NRC capital projects but released only ₦102.3 billion — roughly 31 percent. That gap underscores why sustainable operations matter.

💫 As Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, DG of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, noted in September 2025: “Nigeria needs significant and sustained investment in transport infrastructure, including rail, to bridge the existing gaps; without this, long-term growth prospects for freight and other modes remain constrained.”

💫 Leadership makes the difference
The right appointment can turn an agency around. Professor Ishaq Oloyede transformed JAMB from a loss-making body into a revenue powerhouse. Dakuku Peterside did the same for NIMASA. Dr Kayode Opeifa is now doing it for the NRC, even though the corporation had been moribund for decades before the Buhari administration revived it.

For once, an institution that symbolized decay is now showing signs of real prosperity. And that’s worth celebrating.

At the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) Quarterly Stakeholders Engagement, the urgent need to boost rail-port ...
11/04/2026

At the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) Quarterly Stakeholders Engagement, the urgent need to boost rail-port integration was highlighted as a key factor in enhancing Nigeria's freight and logistics ecosystem's efficiency. Progress has been made through collaboration between the Nigerian Railway Corporation and port authorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, but more work is needed.

Efficient rail connectivity is crucial to maximizing maritime reforms and deep seaports' benefits. Challenges in moving cargo between ports and across the country, especially in Lagos and the eastern corridor, need to be addressed. Optimizing freight rail movement is vital to reducing bottlenecks, costs, and improving reliability.

Key projects like the Kaduna-Kano rail line are almost complete, with efforts to connect major ports to rail networks, including Apapa to Tin Can Island, Warri Port to the Itakpe line, and links to Port Harcourt and Onne. Plans include connecting the Lagos-Kano corridor to Baro Port and building a new rail line for the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

The goal is to connect all Nigerian ports by rail for seamless freight movement. Freight yard capacity is being expanded to improve cargo handling. Stakeholder support is crucial, with road transport playing a vital role in last-mile delivery.

The Federal Government is planning high-speed rail development through private sector participation. Collective effort is needed to build an efficient, integrated, and competitive transport system for Nigeria.

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