By Fidelis Ugbomeh
Transportation Correspondent Association of Nigeria (TCAN), has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointment of Dr Kayode Opeifa, as Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Association expressed hope that the appointment would mark beginning of better deals not only for the nation’s oldest public corporation but for the burgeoning railway sector.
In a statement signed by Chairman, Adeyinka Aderibigbe, and General Secretary Fidelis Ugbomeh, the Association said Opeifa, a one-time Commissioner of Transportation in Lagos State, has all that it takes to sustain the good works of his predecessors in the corporation and continue to push the narrative that would see all the nation’s state capitals connected by rail in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
The Association also noted that the new MD played a pivotal role in transforming the city’s transportation sector, leading to a phenomenal shift in the transportation landscape of Lagos.
According to the statement “His initiatives in public sector transportation were instrumental in the sustenance of the Lagos state’s initiatives in transportation which has changed the dynamics of the city’s mobility and traffic management setting a model for other sister-states,”
Opeifs served as Commissioner of Transportation under Governor Babatunde Fashola, under whose administration the State’s Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP), took off and was also appointed the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Decongestion of Lagos Ports Access Road.
He was also appointed a member Board of Nigerian Railway Corporation by former President Muhammadu Buhari after the completion of his term as the Transportation Secretary at the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA).
A former Chairman, Conference of Transportation Commissioners of Nigeria, Opeifa, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA), and a doctoral degree on Logistics and Transport Planning from the Lagos State University in 2022,
TCAN urged the new Managing Director to continue to partner with all critical stakeholders in order to achieve the mandate of Mr President in repositioning of the Nigerian Railway and ensuring that Nigerians get a better deal in public sector transportation where the railway plays a major role in logistics and passenger transportation across the country.
Also, Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) congratulated Dr. Kayode Opeifa over his appointment as new Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)
by Federal government.
In a congratulatory letter dated January 22, 2025, President of the Association, Godfrey Bivbere said the appointment was well-deserved based on exceptional track record of appointee in the transportation sector.
“As a highly accomplished transport expert of repute, we are confident that your wealth of experience and academic qualifications will positively impact your new role,” the President stated.
He acknowledged the appointee’s previous accomplishments, including serving as Commissioner of Transportation in Lagos State where he demonstrated exceptional leadership, intellectual brilliance, and a strong work ethic.
Bivbere expressed confidence in the new Managing Director’s ability to build on the successes of his predecessor and drive the Corporation to greater heights.
The association also assured him of its unwavering support in achieving the goals of the Corporation and readiness to work with the new leadership to advance Nigeria’s rail transport system.
He pointed out that the appointment comes at a time stakeholders are looking forward to innovative strategies and policies to revitalize and expand the nation’s railway infrastructure.
Opeifs served as Commissioner of Transportation under Governor Babatunde Fashola, under whose administration the State’s Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP), took off and was also appointed the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Decongestion of Lagos Ports Access Road.
He was also appointed a member Board of Nigerian Railway Corporation by former President Muhammadu Buhari after the completion of his term as the Transportation Secretary at the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA).
A former Chairman, Conference of Transportation Commissioners of Nigeria, Opeifa, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA), and a doctoral degree on Logistics and Transport Planning from the Lagos State University in 2022,