By Fidelis Ugbomeh
As part of efforts to enhance the image and efficiency of train operations in the country, the Management of Nigerian Railway Corporation, (NRC) has directed that all the lagacy buildings in the Corporation should be rehabilitated, well equipped and painted.
The managing director, of NRC Dr. Kayode Opeifa who dropped this hint recently at Iddo railway station during his maiden tour of Lagos district stated that the corporation is determined to improve its image as a frontline mobility service provider and hub for logistics services in the country.
He directed that solar panels should be installed around the Iddo station to better improve the lightening condition, even as he hinted that a comprehensive review of all land leases around the station is underway.
The NRC helmsman also called on corporate organisations and other philanthropists, to support the corporation in the area of provision of conveniences for train passengers as part of their corporate social responsibility.
According to him, the transformation of the Iddo terminal is central to the corporation’s goal to significantly improve the terminal’s infrastructure, optimize its capacity and elevate the passenger experience
“Train passengers commuting daily from Ijoko and other border communities in Ogun State to Iddo and Idumota axis of the Lagos Island, are rest assured that the corporation will revive the 2pm mass transit train service (MTTS) in line with their demands,” Opeifa said.
He restated that management would urgently embark on the rehabilitation of the coaches to improve the ambience of the interior of the trains and the Iddo stations for better customer experience and patronage.
The Lagos district manager, Engr Augustine Arisa and district superintendent Mrs. Chidinma Mba, also informed the Opeifa that the prosperity of Idumota market is related to operations of the Mass Transit Train (MTT) line as any day the train does not operate, the market feels it.
He however restated that “NRC management being aware of the centrality of the Mass Transit Train (MTT) Kajola to Iddo rail line to the continued prosperity of the Iddo, Idumota and some other big markets in Lagos will not only continue to sustain the line, but work to add addition service after careful commercial market viability and sustainability studies”
Earlier during the tour of Loco Running Shed, Ebute-Metta Junction, Opeifa expressed delight at the industry of ironmen (women engineers and technicians) working in the corporation who are competing with their male counterparts in ensuring that all the nation’s rolling assets are in serviceable conditions.
He promised that the corporation would put back to shape as many narrow gauge locomotives still serviceable and would deploy them across the country to serve passenger traffic anywhere the corporation had existing train lines.
The tour also took the managing director to the battery room, laboratory as well as inspection of all the mechanical fluids which is a crucial facility responsible for analyzing the quality and integrity of mechanical fluids used in NRC rail operations.
He assured the laboratory officials that the management under his watch would continue to support their growth and development having trained and once worked as an analytical chemist.
At Agege station, Opeifa had a closed door meeting with officials from Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), led by the Director Rail Services Engr Olasunkanmi Okusaga on how to firm up security challenges between the two stations: Babatunde Raji Fashola terminal and the Lagos state train terminal at Agege.