Connect with us

Headlines

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.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Headlines

Oyetola inaugurates, charges new NIMASA, NIWA boards to steer clear of management duties 

–but provide policy direction for operational efficiency 
Funso OLOJO
The  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,  on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, formally inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASOLOJOA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in a dual ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the maritime sector for maximum national impact.
 He said the exercise represented not merely a routine constitutional process, but a vital step in consolidating the structures that will drive the marine and blue economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national development.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s strategic maritime position along the Gulf of Guinea and an expansive 850-kilometre coastline, noting the country’s potential to benefit substantially from activities such as shipping, fisheries, marine biotechnology, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
 He recalled that it was in recognition of these opportunities that President Tinubu, in 2023, established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to provide focused leadership, regulation and promotion of the country’s ocean-based economy.
Addressing the newly appointed members of the NIMASA Board, the Honourable Minister outlined the critical mandate of the Agency, which includes maritime safety, labour regulation, marine environmental protection and capacity development.
He emphasised that the Board’s role is to formulate policies and provide oversight for the Agency’s operations, without interfering in its day-to-day management.
 Oyetola reiterated President Tinubu’s clear directive that the responsibilities of Governing Boards are strictly non-executive and policy-focused.
He urged the Board to operate in the national interest, with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.
The Minister then proceeded to officially inaugurate the NIMASA Board, chaired by Yusuf Abubakar.
 Other members include Babatunde Bombata representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu representing the Nigerian Navy, Arc. Yinusa Yakubu, Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir, Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General.
Other members of the Board include Hon. Chudi Offodile, Executive Director, Finance and Administration; Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi, Executive Director, Operations; and Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service.
In his response on behalf of the Board, the Chairman, Yusuf Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.
He described the appointment as not just a privilege, but a call to national duty.
Abubakar also thanked Oyetola for his leadership and for the confidence reposed in the Board.
He assured that the Board would work closely with the NIMASA management team to foster transparency, innovation and professionalism, in line with the strategic vision of the Federal Government.
He pledged the Board’s full alignment with the Minister’s policy direction, noting that the team would work collaboratively and diligently to realise the goals of a secure and prosperous maritime domain for Nigeria.
The Minister also inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which he described as another critical pillar in Nigeria’s maritime and transport architecture.
He said the new Board comes at a time when effective institutional leadership is needed to drive infrastructure development, regulate inland water activities, promote water transport and support economic integration across regions.
Oyetola reminded the NIWA Board that their role is to provide strategic policy guidance and supervision, in accordance with the NIWA Act, while operational execution remains the responsibility of the Managing Director and the management team.
He drew attention to both the NIWA Act and relevant sections of the Public Service Rules and Public Procurement Act, which underscore the distinction between governance and management.
 He urged the Board to approach its duties with discipline, professionalism, and a clear understanding of institutional boundaries, adding that national interest and development must guide every decision.
He formally inaugurated the NIWA Board, which is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarki Adar.
Other members include Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, who also serves as the Managing Director; Mr. Hussaini Shettima; Mr. Jeminiwa Adewale Charles; Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe; Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar; Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro; Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye; Capt. Jerome Angwunwe; and Hon. Hoplyn Euore Ayu.
Speaking on behalf of the NIWA Board, the Chairman, Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust placed in them.
He praised the Honourable Minister for his guidance and pledged the commitment of the Board to give their best in the service of the nation.
He promised that the NIWA Board would work harmoniously with the management and operate within its mandate to ensure the Authority fulfils its role in facilitating inland waterways transportation and economic connectivity.
In concluding the double ceremony, Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for both Boards and expressed confidence in the ability of the newly inaugurated members to discharge their responsibilities with honour and dedication.
He reminded them that the task ahead is significant, but so too is the opportunity to effect meaningful and lasting change.
 He wished them a successful tenure and charged them to serve with clarity of purpose and a deep commitment to national development.
Continue Reading

Headlines

Shippers’ Council prepares staff for new role under the proposed Port Economic Regulatory Agency Act.

— trains first batch of 16 middle- level officers 
Funso OLOJO 
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC) has commenced preparations for the eventual transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency(NPERA).
It could be recalled that the bill that will transmute the council into the Economic Regulatory council has been passed by the National Assembly( the House of Representatives and the Senate) but awaiting the assent of the President.
However, to prepare the staff to take up the new responsibilities that the new status will impose on the council, the agency has selected 16 middle- level officers who went through rigorous and tedious selection process.
The selected officers were put through the Middle Management Leadership Development Programme(MMLDP) of the Council’s Succession Planning Strategy on June 30th, 2025.
The induction ceremony, held in Lagos, marked a significant milestone for the Council.
 It is the first initiative of its kind, involving 16 carefully selected middle management staff, each with at least five years remaining in service.
The programme is designed to ensure leadership continuity, preserve institutional memory, and drive sustained organizational growth.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Akutah Pius, expressed his delight at the commencement of the programme.
He acknowledged the rigorous selection process and congratulated the participants for emerging successful in what he described as a highly competitive exercise.
“You did well to be here,” Dr. Akutah said.
 “I know how thorough the selection process was, and I’m not surprised by the faces I see today.
“Some of you I have met personally, others have worked closely with me. I know your potential, and it’s no surprise you made it this far.”
He encouraged the participants to remain committed and hardworking, noting that the programme marks the beginning of broader institutional transformation.
“Succession planning is not a one-time event. This programme will become a permanent fixture within the Council,” he stated.
Dr. Akutah urged the participants to see the opportunity as a stepping stone to becoming future leaders in the maritime and regulatory sectors.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the calibre of resource persons facilitating the programme and emphasized the importance of local capacity development.
“I believe in local content and in enhancing the capabilities within our organization.
” That is the essence of this initiative,” he said.
 “Some of you may not have been appropriately placed during your initial recruitment despite your qualifications.
” But this is how the civil service works—you enter, you grow. The window for growth and better positioning is now open.”
With the NSC’s transition into NPERA nearing completion—pending the signing of the enabling bill—Dr. Akutah spoke about the fresh opportunities ahead.
“We’re on the brink of creating a new agency with new structures, departments, and culture.
” This is your chance to prove yourselves and be considered for key leadership roles.”
He concluded by expressing optimism about the participants’ future contributions to both the Council and the wider port and logistics sector.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spotlighted this sector as a key driver of economic growth.
“We need professionals who can compete globally. As we build an agency that matches international standards, you will be at the forefront of this transformation. We count on your sound minds and sound training to help chart that path forward.” he declared.
Continue Reading

Headlines

Melsmore Marine bows to pressure as it engages MWUN in  peace talk over dispute on staff welfare

Funso OLOJO 
In a bid to forestall possible disruption of its operations by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria(MWUN) , the MELSMORE Marine Limited has engaged the leadership of the maritime labour union in a peace talk in a bid to diffuse the growing tension between the two parties.
It would be recalled that the MWUN has given the company an ultimatum to improve on the welfare of its staff, some of whom are members of the union or risks being picketed by the angry association.
However, before the expiration of the 21 – day ultimatum, the management of the Marine company has reportedly reached out to the union to stave off any industrial dislocation.
In the peace talk, both parties are exploring available avenue to reach amicable agreement that will bring mutual benefits to both sides.
To give room to a peaceful negotiation and resolution of the conflict, the MWUN has therefore announced the suspension of the ultimatum while the peace talk is still in progress
Continue Reading

Trending