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By Fidelis Ugbomeh
Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation Dr Kayode Opeifa has declared readiness of the Corporation for cargo train movement between Lagos and Kano on the narrow gauge railway corridors
This is despite apprehension by stakeholders over prospect of the declaration in view of shortfall in number of functional locomotive engines in the corporation’s fleet and insecurity in some northern, middle belt parts of the country.
Opeifa made this known separately at Dugbe narrow gauge railway station,Ibadan annd Zaria during a recent tour of operations of western northern lines respectively, as part of his inspection tour of all districts.
According to him, “The essence of this tour is to enable us to access our readiness to handle the cargo side of our business as business and logistics facilitator. We are happy with the extent of what we have seen and we can comfortably say we are ready to move any manner of cargo for any of our customers.”
He charged the workers to double their effort and improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the railway.
“I can approve an improvement in your allowances once we improve our IGR. So let us be committed to doubling our efforts,” Opeifa declared.
At Omi Adio, he inspected the facility being put in place to establish another cargo park and proferred for acquisition of more land around the proposed dry port area to provide for anticipated business the dry port would be processing when the business finally comes on stream.
The inspection took Opeifa and his management team to the Obafemi Awolowo train station, Moniya and the cargo park, where he inspected the readiness of the port to facilitate cargo business.
He stated that the management is determined to recommence cargo commitment from Lagos to Kano.
During tour of northern district, the NRC boss inspected
training school, clinic, central workshop, and oermanent ways hotel.
He commended the efforts of staff managing these facilities and emphasized urgent need for upgrades and modernization to improve service delivery, staff welfare, and capacity building.
“To truly transform the Nigerian Railway system, we must also invest in our people, their health, their training, and the infrastructure that supports them,” he remarked.
Opeifa emphasized the importance of the northern district to the national railway network, particularly in enhancing connectivity between key cities, boosting trade and agricultural logistics, and supporting economic development across the northern region.
“Our focus is on revitalization, efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability in ensuring that the NRC meets the demands of a modern transport system”, he declared.
