Funso OLOJO Editor 

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), has donated two operational vehicles to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to strengthen security operations and enhance the protection of railway infrastructure and other critical national assets.

The vehicles were formally handed over to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

Presenting the vehicles, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said the intervention was part of the state government’s continued support for security agencies and institutions operating within Lagos.

Ogunsan, who was accompanied by the Administrative Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Demola Lewis, said the vehicles would enhance the capacity of security personnel attached to the railway to respond promptly to vandalism, theft and other criminal activities along the railway corridor.

He commended the ongoing transformation at the NRC under Opeifa’s leadership, saying the state government considered it necessary to provide additional support to safeguard railway infrastructure and improve operational effectiveness.

The LSSTF chief urged the Nigeria Police Railway Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which are expected to deploy the vehicles for railway security operations, to ensure their judicious use.

He said the Fund had a monitoring mechanism to ensure that security assets provided through its interventions were deployed strictly for the purposes for which they were donated.

According to Ogunsan, responsible utilisation of the vehicles would encourage the state government and the Fund to provide additional support whenever necessary.

Responding, Opeifa expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for its continued support for the NRC and its efforts to improve railway security and operations.

He also commended the leadership and staff of the LSSTF for their commitment, partnership and sustained support towards the safety and security of the railway system in Lagos.

Opeifa said the donation would significantly strengthen the capacity of security agencies attached to the railway to protect passengers, railway infrastructure and other critical assets.

He assured the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for the purposes for which they were donated.

The NRC Managing Director also appealed to other state governments, particularly the 26 states where the Corporation has operational presence, to support efforts to protect railway infrastructure.

He stressed that stronger collaboration between the NRC, state governments and security agencies would facilitate faster responses to vandalism and other criminal activities affecting railway assets.

Opeifa also made a personal donation to the LSSTF and called on NRC employees, corporate organisations and residents of Lagos to continue supporting the Fund’s efforts to enhance security across the state.

Beyond the provision of the vehicles, he disclosed that the Lagos State Government had expressed readiness to rehabilitate some roads within the railway compound and install solar-powered streetlights after the completion of the ongoing works.

He further disclosed that work was ongoing on a major storm-water drainage project designed to channel water from the railway compound towards the Mile 2 lagoon.

According to him, the drainage project, which commenced earlier in the year, has significantly improved the environment around the railway compound and helped address the perennial flooding previously experienced during heavy rainfall.

Police, NSCDC pledge responsible use
Speaking on behalf of the security agencies, the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Railway Command, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Yahaya Usman, thanked the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF for the donation to the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC.

He assured that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for railway security operations and used responsibly to strengthen surveillance, patrol and rapid-response capabilities along the railway corridor.

The intervention further underscores the growing partnership between the NRC and the Lagos State Government in promoting safer railway operations, protecting critical infrastructure and improving the security of passengers and communities along the railway network.

— assures sustained collaboration with security agencies 

 Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to protecting railway infrastructure through sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, following the recovery of stolen railway materials valued at about ₦200 million.

Dr. Opeifa gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The NRC boss, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, CP Lasisi Titilola, stressed that the Corporation would ensure the diligent prosecution of all suspects arrested for vandalising railway facilities to serve as a strong deterrent against future acts of sabotage.

He praised the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Railway Police Command for their professionalism and swift response, which led to the arrest of three suspected railway vandals and the recovery of railway materials worth approximately ₦200 million.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation while allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials from Niger State to Lagos.

Describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against railway vandalism, Dr. Opeifa said it underscored the effectiveness of the growing partnership between the NRC and security agencies in safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

He reiterated the Corporation’s resolve to deepen collaboration with the Police, other security agencies, state governments, host communities and relevant stakeholders to curb vandalism, theft and other criminal activities capable of disrupting railway operations across the country.

The NRC Managing Director also appealed to members of the public to support the campaign against railway vandalism by providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable rail transportation while working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s railway infrastructure,” Dr. Opeifa said.
In his response, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, called on the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws protecting critical national infrastructure by prescribing stiffer penalties for vandals.
He warned criminals to steer clear of Oyo State, assuring that the Command would continue to track, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of public assets.
CP Abimbola disclosed that the three suspects, along with the recovered railway materials, would be handed over to the Nigeria Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has granted final approval to the Lagos State Government to operate two of its rail tracks under the Track Sharing Agreement, paving the way for the full operation of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project.

The LRMT Red Line commenced passenger operations on October 15, 2024, with morning and evening peak-hour services following its inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The permanent approval follows the temporary operating approval granted by the NRC in 2025 under the Track Sharing Agreement with the Lagos State Government.

Presenting the Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the approval confers on the Lagos State Government all the rights and obligations contained in the Track Sharing Agreement.

According to him, the licence also empowers the state to operate rail services in line with international best practices.

Opeifa described the milestone as a testament to the mutual trust, cooperation and shared vision that have continued to define the partnership between the NRC and the Lagos State Government.

“Beyond providing access to the tracks, our collaboration has also included the training and capacity development of the Red Line’s operational personnel, demonstrating the immense value of strong institutional partnerships,” he said.

He commended the Lagos State Government for its confidence in the NRC and its sustained commitment to the partnership.

“I also commend the Government for its remarkable investment in public transportation, particularly in the rail subsector, including the acquisition of adequate rolling stock to meet the growing mobility needs of Lagosians,” he added.

The NRC Managing Director noted that the development of modern rail infrastructure requires foresight, substantial capital investment and sustained political will, qualities he said the Lagos State Government has consistently demonstrated.

Opeifa also urged other state governments across the federation to invest in rail infrastructure and services to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s railway network.

According to him, expanding rail transportation nationwide would ease congestion on highways, reduce logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, stimulate industrial and commercial activities, and accelerate national economic growth.

He stressed that rail transportation remains the backbone of efficient mass transit systems in major cities around the world.

“Continued investment in rail infrastructure is essential to providing safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable and high-capacity mobility for our growing population, while significantly reducing pressure on our road network,” he said.

Opeifa reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to fostering productive partnerships that will transform Nigeria’s transport landscape.

“Together, we will continue to build an integrated, efficient, safe and sustainable railway system that serves the aspirations of all Nigerians,” he concluded.