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Federal government plans to decentralise rail system as it supports intra- city rail network at states

Funso OLOJO 

In its determination to take rail services closer the the grassroot, the Federal government has finalized arrangement to support state governments in the country to develop intra- city rail network that will engage in massive movement of people within each states.
The plan is modelled after the Lagos State rail network which operates two- coloured coded metro train of Blue and Red lines.
Already, four more states are at various stages of readiness to join Lagos as train-friendly states as Plateau, Niger, Bauchi and Ogun States are already discussing with the NRC in opening up their states for rail development.
According to Dr Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Cooperation( NRC), the Tinubu administration  will soon unveil its plans for massive infrastructure development of the railway under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Opeifa made this declaration while playing host to the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, who led top management of the agency, on a courtesy visit.

 Opeifa assured that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians will operate more new generation train systems comparable to anywhere in the world.
“The Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda, has graciously agreed to support all state governments develop their intra-city rail networks taking off from the national rail corridor in their state” Opeifa declared.
Opeifa lauded the Lagos State Government which through LAMATA has been operating two colour-coded metro trains (Red and Blue Lines) based on the licenses issued by the Corporation, adding that LAMATA is proving to the world that nothing is impossible.
“The Blue line is an example that nothing is impossible. That is a line that runs exclusively on electricity and LAMATA has been able to keep it in operation for two years non-stop.
” In the next five years, a lot of things will change in this country and soon, Nigerians will be able to even enjoy new generation rail system in this country.
“In our generation, we shall be able to operate all modes of modern rail systems comparable to anywhere in the world,” Opeifa added.
The NRC boss lamented that Nigeria built about 3,500 kilometres of rail tracks in 60 years and stopped for another 60 years, said this administration under its Renewed Hope Agenda is determined to put a stop to that and ensure that it sustained the massive investments of the Federal Government on rail transportation infrastructure.
He said as facilitator of trade and business , the Corporation will continue to give priority to areas that would lessen the burden of transportation on the people, reduce poverty, and bring down the rising inflation.
Opeifa said he looked forward to the time when all states of the federation will be able to run train services round the clock in their states which would lessen the burden on the NRC and make it to concentrate on freight movements.
He said he would continue to give Lagos State and other federating states expeditious approvals as this remains the only way to ensure that they would be able to take train services to the hinterlands for the benefit of Nigerians.
Opeifa, who was excited to receive the LAMATA team ,said as a Lagosian, he is determined to push the corporation to continue to support all LAMATA’s strides, adding that with him at the helm of affairs at NRC, Lagos should consider the corporation as a ready and willing partner.
LAMATA’s Managing Director ,Mrs Abimbola Akinajo ,said her team had considered it needful to pay the new NRC Managing Director a visit, because of the cordial relationship between the Corporation and LAMATA.
She said LAMATA is happy that a Lagosian and a member of the LAMATA family is now at the helms of affairs at the NRC.
“We are happy about your appointment and we are looking forward to more fruitful working relationship with the NRC.
“We are happy that both the NRC and LAMATA are driven by the passion to make rail transportation available to Nigerians.
She said Lagos State has continued to make judicious use of the licences given to the state for both the Red and Blue Line and the access granted for the Red Line to use the national corridor.
“We decided to pay you a visit and to warmly welcome you back into the transportation family, knowing that under you, the Nigerian Railway Corporation would continue to play a major role in Lagos State’s transportation initiatives, especially relating to the rail development,” Mrs Akinajo said.
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Headlines

NSC buckles under pressure, suspends implementation of tariff hike at ports

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council may have capitulated under intense pressure from the freight forwarders who have apparently make the regulatory agency hastily reverse itself over the tariff hike at the Ports.
It could be recalled that the NSC approved tariff increase in shipping and terminal charges due to what it said was necessitated by the exigency of time.
However, the implementation of the hike has sparked an uproar among the freight forwarders who have rebuffed all entreaties from the NSC but vowed to shut down the operations of service providers.
Last week, the irate freight forwarders have commenced systematic picketing of some of the shipping company, including MSC, promising to resume the targeted shut -down of the operations of other service providers in the coming weeks.
However, in a dramatic  turn of event, the management of the NSC has directed an immediate suspension of the implementation of the tariff hike by the terminal operators, while urging them to revert to old rate until the issues surrounding the controversial hike are resolved.
In a terse statement by the management, the council said the directive is necessary in order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, as well as to give room for likely review of the new charges and conclusion of the ongoing consultation with stakeholders.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in the exercise of its statutory mandate as the economic regulator of the port and shipping sector, hereby directs all shipping lines and their respective agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of the recently approved tariffs.
“This directive is issued pursuant to ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders and in response to substantive concerns raised regarding the timing, structure, and potential impact of the said tariffs on port users and the wider logistics value chain.
“In order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, the Council considers it necessary to halt further implementation pending the conclusion of comprehensive consultations and regulatory review.
“Accordingly, all affected operators are mandated to revert to, and apply strictly, the tariff regime that was in force immediately prior to the said increase.
“Any deviation from this directive shall constitute a breach of regulatory compliance and will attract appropriate sanctions in line with extant laws and regulations.
“The Council will, upon conclusion of stakeholder consultations and internal review processes, communicate a definitive position on the matter.
“The NSC remains resolute in its commitment to effective economic regulation, protection of cargo interests, and the promotion of an efficient and equitable maritime transport system.
“All operators are hereby enjoined to ensure strict and immediate compliance”, the statement concluded.
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NSC condemns picketing of MSC over tariff hike, urges freight forwarders to embrace dialogue

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius, has called on freight forwarders to embrace dialogue as a constructive means of resolving their grievances rather than resorting to industrial actions capable of undermining the nation’s economy.
Akutah appealed while reacting to the picketing of the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) by freight forwarders protesting the recent increase in shipping line tariffs.
Despite the protests, the Council’s attempt to engage the aggrieved freight forwarders in discussions was resisted, as the protesters insisted that there was no basis for dialogue.
They also vowed to continue the protest on Monday until the increased charges are immediately reversed.
The Shippers’ Council boss stressed that dialogue remains the most effective and modern dispute resolution mechanism, noting that it is faster, more humane, and more productive than what he described as a “bottled anger approach.”
He warned that prolonged industrial disputes within the maritime sector could disrupt port operations and negatively impact trade and economic activities.
While acknowledging the right of stakeholders to express their concerns, the Council condemned what it described as the unprofessional conduct of some freight forwarders, particularly the act of blocking regulators from accessing the MSC premises to address the matter.
 Akutah also recalled that during a similar protest over the same tariff increment a few weeks earlier, the Council intervened and compelled MSC to suspend the collection of the disputed charges for two days while discussions were ongoing.
He reiterated the Council’s commitment to mediating between shipping companies and freight forwarders to ensure fair practices and stability within the maritime industry.
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NRC announces increased train services to accommodate Sallah surge in passenger travels 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced special train service arrangements across its major corridors to facilitate seamless travel during the Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations, with increased capacity and additional services deployed to meet the anticipated surge in passenger movement nationwide.
As part of the festive arrangements, the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
 From the Lagos end (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta), departures are scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while from the Ibadan end (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), departures will be at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.
 This one-day special arrangement is designed to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the Sallah celebration, after which the service will revert to its regular schedule.
On the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) corridor, the Corporation will operate two trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026, while three trips will run on Friday, March 20; Saturday, March 21; Sunday, March 22; and Monday, March 23, 2026, to provide additional travel options and ease passenger movement during the festive period.
In addition, the Corporation, under a partnership with the Osun State Government, will operate the Imole Special Train on the narrow gauge corridor from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo, conveying indigenes of Osun State free of charge as part of the State Government’s Sallah initiative.
 The service is fully sponsored by the Osun State Government, with the NRC providing rolling stock, technical support, and operational services.
On the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor, trains will operate three times weekly.
From Warri to Itakpe, services will run on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, departing at 8:00 a.m. prompt.
 From Itakpe to Warri, trains will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, departing at 12:00 noon.
 Thursdays are reserved for maintenance activities to ensure safe and efficient operations on the corridor.
Similarly, on the Eastern narrow gauge corridor, the Port Harcourt–Aba Train Service will continue to operate its regular schedule throughout the Sallah period.
The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation reassures passengers of its commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail transport services across all corridors.
Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, arrive early at stations, and comply with all ticketing and security procedures.
The Corporation wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration and encourages the public to continue to patronize rail transport as a safe and dependable means of travel.
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