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Opeifa, new helmsman at NRC, unfolds multi- faceted transformative programmes to reposition  rail sector in Nigeria 

Funso OLOJO
The new Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation( NRC), Comrade Kayode Opeifa, has unfolded a multi- pronged  approach to making rail sector a critical artery of the Nigeria’s economy.
Opeifa, who officially took over the mantle of leadership at the Corporation on January 30th, 2025, pledged to run an inclusive administration that will enhance the operational efficiency of the NRC.
In his acceptance speech during the handling over ceremony from his predecessor, Opeifa, an expert in transportation, expressed his readiness to exceed the expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom he said graciously entrusted the onerous responsibility of repositioning the rail sector in the country.
Unfolding his programmes of action at the agency, Opeifa promised to complete the ongoing projects in the sector, modernize rail  infrastructure and expand the NRC services to meet the growing demands of Nigeria’s population.
“I am grateful for the trust and confidence reposed in me to lead this vital institution, which is one of the oldest and most impactful in the history of our great nation.
“I am mindful that my role as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is to represent and be the face of the vision of the government as summarized in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the various policy speeches and document of Mr. President and other authorised government documents from the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant government MDA as it relate to the Rail sector and as permitted by the NRC Act and other related directives.
“My presence here is to add value to an existing vision by ensuring the NRC adequately fulfils its responsibility to the Nigerian people under the Renewed Hope Agenda programs of Mr President.
“I will work in harmony with ALL staff of the NRC to deepen our operations of the National Rail System for the socio-economic development of our country.
” I am reminded of the critical role the Nigerian Railway Corporation plays in driving economic growth, promoting national integration, and improving the lives of our citizens.
“We will, together, work tirelessly to ensure the Organization achieves its mandate and exceed expectations.
“Our collective mission would be one of efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction driven by passion for excellence.
“We will prioritize the completion of ongoing projects, modernize our infrastructure, and expand our services to meet the growing demands of our population.
“This mission will be tailored towards a robust transformation of the rail sector in Nigeria into a world-class, efficient, and safe mode of transportation.
“This mission is an integral part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and the 25-year Strategic Rail Modernization Plan, which aims to create an enviable rail transport network that connects every state and major cities in Nigeria.
“Among others, we will priortise:
The security of lives and properties, working through the Ministry of transportation with the entire national security apparatus to ensure our resources, operations, infrastructure and customers are very safe and secured.
“Modernization and Expansion. Working with the Ministry of Transportation, our supervising authority, the various sub-national governments, relevant MDAs, stakeholders, and the organized private sector.
“We will focus on the upgrading of existing rail infrastructure, expanding the present rail networks, and introducing new technologies to improve efficiency and safety thereby engendering an improved travelling experience for our numerous customers.
“Increase in Connectivity: arising from the above, we will also improve/expand connectivity to major cities, ports, and economic hubs through rail links, promoting economic growth and development.
“Service Excellence. We will prioritize customer satisfaction by improving customer experience, ensuring that our services are reliable, efficient, safe and sustainable.
“Capacity Building. As expected of us as the leading rail services provider in the country, we will develop the skills and expertise of our staff, ensuring that they have the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their roles through the engagement of modern tools, technology and intelligence.
“We will also build capacity for the emerging sub-national rail project development.
“Collaboration through deepened relationship. Beyond and through the Ministry of transportation, We will work in collaboration with the various regional development agencies in the development and actualisation of their various regional rail systems and services master plans.
“Accelerating Project Completion. We will work to fast-track ongoing projects to meet the growing demand for improved rail services.
“Enhanced Private Sector Participation. We will create a more conducive and enabling environment to deepen existing Private Sector participation as well encourage new ones in line with modern practices.
“Improve on the commercial aspect of our operations for improved revenue, customer experience and satisfaction as well as sustainability of the rail system.
“Rail Sector Contribution to GDP. Will work extra hard to increase the rail sector contribution to the Transportation sector and National GDP.
“Collaboration for Service Delivery. We will work with other government service delivery agencies such as the FCCPC, PEBEC, ICPC, EFCC, CCB, SERVICOM, NOA to deepen transparency, and improved public perception.
“Staff Welfare. We will prioritise the welfare of our staff and their relatives to enhance their ultimate efficiency and delivery as well as ensuring better living and working conditions.
“Union Relations. As one of you, I promise on behalf of management to work with the various trade unions and associations within the best of harmonious and cordial relationship.
“Inter and Multi Modal Mobility. We will work with the Ministry and other relevant ministries to ensure the smooth inter and multimodality of the mobility systems in Nigeria as the Rail sector is set to take the center stage in the mobility sector of our national economic growth.
“Rail Economy. We will deepen the role of the NRC as the major rail service provider to encourage tourism, link people to jobs, link farm produce to economic and activity centers, improve on national logistics and supply chain management amongst others to have a positive effect on goods and services reducing multi-dimensional poverty.
“Job Creation and Skill acquisition. We will work with other relevant government agencies such as th NDE, SMEDAN, ITF NBTI, NITT and our educational institutions to promote employment creation and skill acquisition through the reactivation and utilization of the numerous resource centres of the NRC nationwide, especially our Training Schools and Engineering Workshops.
“Sustainability and Environmental Protection. We will continue to promote environmentally friendly practices and technologies to minimize the rail sector’s carbon footprint.
“Strategic Communication and Media Relations. To the media, please be gentle on us, we promise to work with you for timely information and communication, We will improve speedily and we seek your cooperation to effectively disseminate information relating to the operations of the NRC and the receipt of constructive feedbacks.
“Data, Technology and Innovation driven Repositioning. We will focus and rely heavily on data, technology and sustainable energy to bring about ,  a purpose-driven change management as we reposition the organization for greatness”
The new NRC helmsman pledged to leave a lasting legacy at the Corporation that would have been the pride of the nation.
It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment of Opeifa at the twilight of January, 2025 as the new Managing Director of NRC to bring to bear his wealth  on the rail sector which is the critical mode of transportation.
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Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations  

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.
The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support  Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.
He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.
Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.
“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.
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Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA 

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter 

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence,  brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

 As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.
It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.
 He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.
He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

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Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
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