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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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Shipping coys comply with directive of Shippers’ Council on controversial tariff hike, revert to status quo 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Despite the intransigence of the irate freight forwarders to shealth their swords over the tariff hike after the intervention of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Shipping companies operating in Nigeria may have commenced the process of compliance with the order of the regulatory agency to stop the implementation of the disputed tariff increase.
It would be recalled that the NSC has approved an upward review in shipping charges based on what it said was predicated on the exigency of time.
However, the tariff hike was resisted by the freight forwarders who shut down the operations of the shipping companies by picketing their offices.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council later waded into the crisis by directing the shipping companies, especially the MSC, to immediately suspend the implementation of the tariff hike.
In its terse statement on March 20th, 2026, the regulatory agency said the suspension of the controversial tariff increase became necessary in order to conclude engagement with relevant 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 deference to the order of the Council, the MSC, one of the shipping companies in the country, has said it has complied with the directive, saying it has reverted to the old tariff structure.
In the memo which the management of the shipping company sent to all its customers, it said the decision to maintain the status quo was in line with the directive of the NSC.
“We wish to inform our esteemed customers that the recently implemented tariff adjustment has been temporarily suspended, following a directive from the Nigerian Shippers council NSC.
“This suspension is pending the conclusion of ongoing engagements and resolution with the regulator.
“Accordingly,the tariff regime applicable prior to the recent increase will remain in force until further notice, as mandated.
“We remain fully committed to regulatory compliance,transparency, and protecting the interests of our customers.
“Further updates will be communicated promptly once a definitive position is issued by the Nigerian Shippers council.
“We appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation” the MSC management declared in a terse statement.
However, concerned industry stakeholders have expressed dismay over what they described as the intransigence of the irate freight forwarders who were said to have persisted in what was regarded as their disruptive activities of shipping operations despite the intervention of the NSC and the compliance of the shipping companies to the directive of the regulatory agency.
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Alma Mater honours Mobereola for his mentorship role on younger generation 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has been honoured with an Award of Recognition by his alma mater, St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan in appreciation of his impactful mentorship and commitment to the development of younger generations.

The recognition was conferred during the school’s 64th Founders’ Day celebration held in Ibadan, where the DG joined other alumni and stakeholders to celebrate the institution’s enduring legacy of excellence.

Commenting on the award, Dr. Mobereola expressed profound appreciation to the school’s management and the Old Boys’ Association for the honour, noting that the recognition holds deep personal significance.

He reflected on his formative years at the school saying “attending the 64th Founders’ Day of St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, brought back a flood of nostalgic memories.

“Fifty years after walking through those gates where many of my formative years were shaped, I remain deeply grateful for the friendships, guidance from teachers, and the bond of classmates.

” I also wish to sincerely appreciate the Old Boys’ Association for the recognition accorded me this year. I do not take this honour for granted” the DG said.
He reiterated his commitment to mentoring younger people, saying “I remain committed to serving as a role model to the younger generation and to mentoring young men as they navigate their own paths.”

He further encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and positive role models in achieving success.

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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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