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.

Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.

Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.

In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.

The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.

The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.

The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .

The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.

As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.

One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.

“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.

The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.

The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.

Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of blue economy

Funso OLOJO, Editor

Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.

With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.

However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their

adherence to international standards.

The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.

These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.

Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.

Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.

Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.

As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.

Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.

Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.

If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.

Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.

Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.

Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.

Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.

That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures

This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.

That is why the government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN), Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.

Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre for maritime education and professional development.

Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.

Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.

Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.

From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.

It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.

In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.

By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.