Demand for rail transport beyond current capacity — NRC MD

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has stated that the demand for rail transportation in Nigeria has risen beyond the Corporation’s present operational capacity. He stated that the railway sector continues to record significant growth in patronage and revenue generation. Speaking on TVC Breakfast programme, Opeifa disclosed that despite […]

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has stated that the demand for rail transportation in Nigeria has risen beyond the Corporation’s present operational capacity.

He stated that the railway sector continues to record significant growth in patronage and revenue generation.

Speaking on TVC Breakfast programme, Opeifa disclosed that despite global oil challenges and rising transportation costs, the Corporation has maintained stable transportation fares while sustaining operations across its corridors.

According to him, the NRC had proactively embraced alternative energy solutions long before the current global energy crisis, leading to the Corporation’s strategic shift towards Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and renewable energy initiatives.

“We are proactive and always thinking outside the box. That informed our early movement towards CNG and renewable energy even before the global energy crisis started,” he said.

The NRC boss also revealed that the Corporation has strengthened security across railway corridors through human monitoring and other security approaches, which he noted have drastically reduced cases of vandalism on railway infrastructure.

He, however, expressed concern over emerging attacks along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, where unidentified individuals reportedly throw stones at moving trains, smashing windscreens and endangering passengers and railway operations.

Opeifa assured Nigerians that despite operational challenges, the Corporation remains highly responsive in maintaining its infrastructure, stressing that any fault noticed on rail tracks is often corrected within 24 hours.

 

He further stated that the increasing number of railway projects across the country is gradually creating more awareness and acceptance of rail transportation among Nigerians.

 

Highlighting efforts to diversify railway services, the Managing Director disclosed that the Corporation has expanded into tourism, education and leisure-oriented services.

 

According to him, school excursion trips are now being organised every Thursday, while the Corporation has also established Customer Service and Experience Entertainment Centres onboard trains to enable corporate organisations and professional groups enjoy unique travel experiences.

 

He noted that groups such as the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Egbaliganza, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have increasingly embraced railway transportation for conferences, official engagements and destination travels.

 

The NRC boss also said the Corporation has introduced leisure coaches used for weddings, social activities and tourism engagements, while visitors are equally encouraged to explore the Railway Museum to experience Nigeria’s railway history and heritage.

 

Speaking on operational standards, Opeifa maintained that punctuality remains one of the strongest attributes of the Nigerian railway system.

 

“Our train system is one sector that keeps to time. We do not joke with departure and arrival times,” he stated.

 

He added that the Corporation recently introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and operational manual for onboard and station cleaning services nationwide as part of efforts to improve passenger comfort and service delivery.

 

Despite surpassing its revenue projections, Dr. Opeifa identified inadequate equipment and limited rail connectivity as major obstacles preventing the Corporation from fully meeting the growing demand for rail services.

 

“The demand for rail is so high that even if we have trains leaving our stations every hour, it still would not be enough. We have the market,” he said.

 

He therefore called for increased private sector participation in railway operations, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting investors through initiatives such as the Track Access Programme, particularly in freight operations.

 

Opeifa also disclosed that the “Railing with the State” initiative remains open to interested state governments willing to partner with the NRC to expand railway services within their regions.

 

According to him, stronger collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments and regional development commissions would further accelerate railway connectivity and national economic growth.