Tag: NRC

  • NRC unions shelve strike, pledge to work with Opeifa

    NRC unions shelve strike, pledge to work with Opeifa

    The two labour unions of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have agreed to cancel strike action and partner with the new management in achieving the mandate of President Bola Tinubu for the rail sector.

    The Managing Director, NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Opeifa said the labour leaders passed the resolution after a meeting with the management where all their grievances were tabled for discussion.

    He described the maiden meeting with the workers’ leaders as productive with mutual understanding of all issues raised.

    Opeifa noted that some matters raised by the unions were assigned for further discussion at directorate level.

    He, however, said the issue surrounding  the medical personnel allowance had been resolved.

    “The unions have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with the management and provide all the necessary support to ensure that train services operate at maximum efficiency, to boost the growth of the sector.

    “Their contribution will as well reduce the prices of goods and services to achieve Mr President’s mandate,” he said.

    Opeifa expressed happiness at the outcome of the meeting, adding that with the workforce behind him, he would work at optimising railway operations in the country.

    He said the management would remain committed to the welfare of the workers.

    and ensuring that their work as well as living conditions would be adequately catered for under his leadership.

    The labour unions had during Opeifa’s resumption indicated their willingness to drop their agitations in deference to the new managing director who they described as a member of the human rights family.

    Earlier, the National President of the National Union of Railway Workers (NUR), led by Comrade Innocent Ajiji, lauded Opeifa for his frankness.

    Ajiji appreciated Opeifa’s willingness to listen to their grievances adding that the union would hold tenaciously to the promises extracted from him during the meeting.

    Corroborating the NUR president, Comrade Marcel Okeke, President, the Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, said their decision to rein in the workers was informed by the human rights pedigree of the new managing director, and his openness during the meeting.

    Okeke said the union leaders were enamoured by the fact that Opeifa was once a comrade.

    He added that the union leaders were optimistic that railway workers would enjoy a new deal and lease of life under his leadership.

  • New NRC boss vows to reposition Nigerian railway for growth

    New NRC boss vows to reposition Nigerian railway for growth

    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.