Headlines

NRC unleashes rail reforms that will berth CNG- powered trains in Nigeria

Funso OLOJO

In a few years to come, trains will be run on Compressed Natural Gas(CGN) that will replace the diesel – powered train engines in the country.

This revolution, which is part of the silent reforms in train services initiated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation( NRC) under the dynamic leadership of Dr Kayode Opeifa, is a fall out of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the Corporation and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG).

The conversion of diesel- powered engines to CGN – powered train engines, is meant to cost costs and engender efficiency in rail services in Nigeria.

Making this disclosure during an interview with a National Television on Monday, June 2nd, 2025, Dr Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), noted that the partnership will help reduce diesel dependence and operational costs.

He noted that diesel remains the major cost burden for the NRC, used for engines, stations, and other facilities.

The collaboration, according to him,will involve converting diesel engines to CNG-compatible engines, and training young Nigerians through the NRC’s training school in various technologies, including CNG conversion.

Opeifa said this will lead to nationwide deployment of CNG stations and facilities, as well as CNG-powered trains.

He further noted that the ongoing reforms in the railway system are yielding positive results, with more Nigerians now taking advantage of rail services across various states.

Opeifa believed that the rail system is being revitalized to serve the economic and social integration needs of the country.

He recounted the challenges the NRC has faced, including recurring washouts due to weather conditions and vandalism, but maintained that the rail sector is being repositioned to play a major role in reducing transport costs and improving national logistics.

He revealed that the NRC had earlier been operating between areas such as Apapa, Moniya, and Ilorin, and had plans to extend to places like Minna and Kaduna.

However, these plans were affected by the washouts and other disruptions.

“Despite this, states such as Plateau and others such as Lagos, which has introduced the Red Line, are already benefitting from the track access programme, which allows idle tracks to be optimized for logistics use.

Dr. Opeifa disclosed that cargo is now being moved efficiently from Lagos to other parts of the country, with private logistics companies showing increasing interest.

He cited the example of the AKK gas pipeline project, noting that the pipes used were transported by rail from Warri Port to various locations, including Kaduna and Kano.

He described the development as a “railway cargo revolution,” aimed at optimizing the rail system for the benefit of Nigerians.

According to him, the railway’s contribution to the GDP is becoming more noticeable, especially in the reduction of transportation costs and, indirectly, prices of goods in the country.

The NRC boss commended the capacity and resilience of Nigerian railway engineers, describing how they had restored broken-down engines on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS), within three days, despite tough working conditions.

He emphasized the need to showcase this capacity and expand it beyond the rail sector.

Opeifa said the vision is to have a railway system that facilitates economic, regional, and social integration.

He added that if the transport sector’s contribution to GDP reaches at least 6%, it would drive national development and poverty alleviation through lower transportation and logistics costs.

Highlighting practical examples, he spoke of commuters who save up to 50% in travel costs using the rail system.

Some passengers, he said, travel from Bayelsa to Port Harcourt, board a train to Abuja, and continue their journey north — all with a single ticket, making it both affordable and efficient.

He also mentioned the newly operational Port Harcourt–Aba line, which is already boosting trade and commerce.

Traders are now commuting daily to buy goods and return the same day, thanks to the efficiency of rail services.

Opeifa assured that Enugu and other regions are also part of the expansion plans, with significant investment already committed to infrastructure and modern stations.

He expressed optimism that in the next two to four years, trains would reach almost every part of Nigeria.

On the issue of vandalism, he decried the frequent attacks on railway assets, especially in the North Central region.

He stressed that rail infrastructure is a national asset and must not be treated as scrap.

Tampering with the rail lines, he warned, could cause accidents and loss of life.

Opeifa concluded by urging Nigerians to support the federal government’s rail revolution, assuring that more announcements and projects will roll out in the coming months.

He said the NRC is determined to provide rail services that are accessible, affordable, and beneficial to all Nigerians.

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.

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.

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.