Connect with us

Headlines

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.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

NIMASA deepens maritime security as 492 Deep Blue personnel graduate in tactical training.

Funso OLOJO, Port Harcourt.
The Nigeria’s maritime security received a massive boost as 492 personnel of the iconic Deep Blue project have graduated from tactical trainings received across some of the best security institutions in the world.
Unveiling the graduants in their tactical attires at the Elele military barrack, Port Harcourt, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration( NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the occasion gave the agency a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment on its task to ensure Nigeria’s maritime domain is secured.
According to him, the 492 graduating Deep Blue personnel undergone specialized trainings conducted across several strategic training locations across the world, including Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Syria and
Nigeria.
He disclosed that the training has therefore exposed the personnel, taken from across different units of the Deep Blue project, to global best practices and international operational standards in maritime security operations.
“Today’s event is a demonstration of
operational readiness, institutional resilience and Nigeria’s determination to maintain a safe, secure and economically viable maritime environment.
“With many people are not fully aware of the level of operations and integration and technological capacity that supports these achievements.
“The Deep Blue architecture integrates two special mission aircraft equipped with advanced maritime surveillance sensors, three special mission helicopters for over-the-sea operations and surveillance, two special mission vessels for deep sea operations, eight unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time intelligence gathering, 16 fast interception boats for rapid tactical response and 15 armed coastal patrol vessels.
” The Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence Center, the C4I, serves as
the central coordination hub for military domain awareness and operational response.
“As many of you may recall, the Gulf of Guinea was once regarded as one of the most challenging military
maritime regions in the world due to incidents of piracy and robbery.
“Today, through the Deep Blue project and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we are proud to say that Nigeria has
transformed the narrative which has resulted in zero piracy incidents since 2022.
“This has restored trust among global shipping operators, investors, and maritime stakeholders.
Mobereola expressed appreciation the Minister of Marine and Blue
Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, for what he described as his exemplary leadership, strategic guidance, and steadfast commitment to promoting maritime security initiatives in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the role the  Minister of Defense, General
Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo
Matawale for their continued support and commitment towards strengthening national security and enhancing interagency cooperation in the maritime domain.
Mobereola commended  the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, (DSS) and all security and intelligence agencies whose professionalism and
cooperation continue to strengthen the operational success of the Deep Blue project.
Hee made special mention of Deep Blue project technical partner HLSI, Security Systems Technologies Limited, for their invaluable support, technical expertise, commitment to capacity development, and strategic partnership in the implementation and sustainability of the Deep Blue project.
NIMASA DG also congratulated the graduating personnel  for successfully completing the important steps of their professional journey.
“This strength you have received comes with enormous responsibility as you are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and the discharge of your duties.
Tge event was by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,  the  Minister of Defense, General
Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo
Matawale, high military personnel from Navy, Army and Sir force.
Continue Reading

Headlines

WHO honors NFVCB over tobacco control in entertainment industry

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been honoured with the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Special Award, African Region, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its outstanding contributions to tobacco control advocacy and the promotion of responsible media content in Nigeria.
 The NFVCB is the only institution among the five-person African Region winners unveiled as part of the activities commemorating World No Tobacco Day.
This recognition by the DG of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledges the Board’s leadership in regulating the depiction and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in Nigerian films, music videos, skits, and other audiovisual content, particularly those accessible to young audiences.
 The WHO Director-General’s Awards are presented annually ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31 to honour individuals and organizations across WHO’s six regions for exceptional work in advancing the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
NFVCB was recognized for its landmark 2024 regulations prohibiting the promotion, and glamourization of tobacco and nicotine products in entertainment content.
The regulations require that any necessary depiction of tobacco use in films and videos must carry health warnings, receive the highest classification rating, and be restricted to audiences aged 18 years and above.
The regulations also mandate producers to place a disclaimer and disclose any relationship with the tobacco and nicotine industry while prohibiting tobacco brand display and product placement in entertainment content.
The policy aligns with the implementation guidelines of Article 13 of the WHO FCTC on tobacco depiction in entertainment media.
With the introduction of the regulations, Nigeria became the first country in Africa and only the second globally to establish such comprehensive safeguards against the glamorization of tobacco use on screen.
Research and WHO guidance have consistently shown that the portrayal of tobacco use in entertainment media normalizes smoking behaviour and increases the likelihood of tobacco uptake among young people.
Through clear regulatory standards, the Board is helping to reduce exposure to pro-tobacco imagery while promoting socially responsible storytelling within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The recognition also aligns with the 8-Point Agenda of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, aimed at strengthening policy frameworks, promoting responsible creative content, preserving cultural values, and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital by 2030.
Speaking on the recognition, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr.Shaibu Husseini, described the award as a validation of the Board’s efforts toward promoting responsible storytelling and safeguarding public interest through effective content regulation.
“This award is a validation of the work we have done with the Nigerian creative industry to promote responsible storytelling.
“The goal has never been to censor art, but to ensure that our films do not inadvertently market products that are harmful to public health,” he stated.
 Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy societal values, protect children and vulnerable audiences, and strengthen the positive influence of Nigeria’s entertainment industry globally.
The ED also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, filmmakers, producers, and advocacy partners, especially Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), for their collaboration in advancing the policy.
The Board stated that it would continue to strengthen enforcement of the regulations, expand public education and stakeholder engagement, and deepen collaboration with WHO, the WHO FCTC Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders in promoting responsible entertainment content and public health protection.
Continue Reading

Business

Taiwo Afolabi calls on African businesses to scale up their operations for global relevance

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, has called on African entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to prioritise the growth of large, sustainable corporations capable of competing globally, rather than operating fragmented and small-scale enterprises that limit the continent’s economic potential.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, Afolabi said Africa’s economic transformation would depend significantly on the emergence of strong indigenous corporations with the scale, structure, and capacity to drive industrialisation, create jobs, attract investment, and compete internationally.
According to him, discussions at this year’s forum reinforced the urgent need for African businesses to embrace collaboration, long-term thinking, regional integration, and strategic expansion.
He said: “Africa cannot achieve its full economic potential with thousands of weak and fragmented businesses operating in silos.
“What the continent needs are strong institutions and large corporations that can survive beyond their founders, scale across borders, attract global capital, and compete with the best companies around the world.”
Afolabi noted that while entrepreneurship remains critical to Africa’s growth story, the continent must deliberately move beyond subsistence and lifestyle businesses towards building enduring enterprises with robust governance systems, innovation capacity, and continental reach.
He stressed that African governments, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders must create enabling environments that support business scalability through improved infrastructure, access to finance, favourable regulations, and intra-African trade.
“The conversations at the Africa CEO Forum clearly showed that Africa’s future lies in integration and scale.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a historic opportunity for businesses to expand beyond national borders and build truly pan-African enterprises,” he added.
Afolabi noted that SIFAX Group’s long-term vision is anchored on strengthening intra-African trade and supporting the successful implementation of AfCFTA through investments in logistics, ports, transportation, and digital finance solutions across Africa.
Continue Reading

Trending