LAGOS — The newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has pledged to boldly reposition the corporation for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Speaking during the formal handover ceremony held at the NRC headquarters in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Opeifa outlined his administration’s priorities, emphasizing modernization, service efficiency, and security.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including former Lagos State Deputy Governor and Senior Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Lagos State Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa; APC Chieftain Fuoad Oki; and retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
Opeifa, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, declared, “We will be audacious in repositioning NRC for the country’s prosperity.” He noted that his administration’s mission would center on efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the nation’s 25-year Strategic Rail Modernization Plan.
“We will modernize infrastructure, expand services, and introduce new technologies to improve efficiency and safety,” Opeifa said. “Our focus will be on connecting major cities, ports, and economic hubs to promote growth.”
Opeifa listed several priorities, including:
Security: Collaborating with national security agencies to safeguard NRC infrastructure and customers.
Modernization and Expansion: Upgrading existing rail networks and introducing new technologies.
Connectivity: Improving links to major cities and economic hubs.
Service Excellence: Enhancing customer experience, ensuring efficient, reliable, and sustainable services.
Private Sector Collaboration: Creating an enabling environment for private sector participation to boost revenue and economic impact.
He also emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in decision-making.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his appointment, Opeifa vowed to deliver on his mandate. He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, who was absent due to health reasons, and thanked the NRC team for their dedication.
“To the people of Nigeria, I promise to be a responsible steward of the resources entrusted to me,” Opeifa assured.
A symbolic handover was conducted by Okhiria’s representative. Orelope-Adefulire, in her address, expressed confidence in Opeifa’s capability to reposition the NRC for greatness, urging him to see the appointment as a challenge to contribute to national development.
The ceremony concluded with a thanksgiving and reception held at Opeifa’s constituency in Agege, Lagos.
