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NIGERIA RAILWAY CORPORATION CLOSES ABRAKA STATION OVER SECURITY CONCERNS

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary closure of its Abraka Station on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor due to heightened security concerns in the area. According to a statement by the NRC management, recent security assessments revealed a lack of sufficient evidence to ensure the safety of staff and passengers, prompting the immediate suspension of operations. “As a precautionary measure, operations at Abraka Station are suspended until further notice,” the statement read. “Normal services will resume only when the security situation improves and safety can be assured.” The closure is expected to last at least one week and is part of NRC’s broader effort to prioritize passenger safety amid growing incidents of insecurity along certain rail corridors in the country. The NRC management expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and appealed to passengers for understanding and cooperation. “We urge travelers to stay updated by contacting customer service or visiting official NRC platforms for further information and guidance,” the statement added. Regular train services on the Warri-Itakpe line will continue at other operational stations while Abraka remains shut. Abraka Station is a key stop on the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor, which has gained popularity for providing relatively safe and efficient travel between Delta, Edo, and Kogi States. Security agencies are reportedly working with the NRC to monitor the situation and restore safe access to the affected station. The NRC’s decision to close the station underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.

NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION RESUMES FREIGHT TRAIN SERVICES TO EASE LAGOS TRAFFIC

In a significant move to alleviate traffic congestion on Lagos roads, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has resumed freight train services between the Apapa Port Complex and Ibadan. This development is expected to substantially reduce the number of heavy-duty trucks transporting cargo, making the roads safer and more efficient. According to Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of NRC, the initiative is a “game-changer” in Nigeria’s transportation sector. “With this service, truck drivers who hesitate to enter Lagos due to strict traffic enforcement can now pick up containers at Moniya Inland Dry Port in Ibadan,” Opeifa stated. The container freight service will operate three times a week, transporting up to 210 containers weekly. Each trip will carry either 35 units of 40ft containers or 70 units of 20ft containers, or a mix of both, significantly reducing the number of trailers on Lagos roads and the risk of container accidents. Opeifa emphasized that freight movement by rail is more cost-effective than road transport, citing the NRC’s achievement of moving 362,327 metric tons of import and export cargo via rail in 2024 alone. The Federal Government’s commitment to railway revitalization was reaffirmed by Opeifa, who noted that the initiative addresses the cost of goods, standard of living, and multi-dimensional poverty as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), APM Terminals (APMT), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), welcomed the development, hailing it as a milestone for Nigerian logistics.

DR. KAYODE OPEIFA APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NIGERIA RAILWAY CORPORATION

In a move expected to transform Nigeria’s railway system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the new Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation. Dr. Opeifa, a renowned transportation expert and former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. During his tenure as Commissioner, Dr. Opeifa introduced innovative policies that revolutionized public transportation and traffic management in Lagos, setting a benchmark for other cities to follow. His success in Lagos led to his appointment as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory by former President Muhammadu Buhari, where he continued to demonstrate his expertise in ensuring a smooth and efficient transportation system. Dr. Opeifa’s deep understanding of transportation systems, particularly railways, is unmatched. His appointment promises a brighter future for Nigeria’s railway system, with more efficient services connecting cities, boosting economic development, and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Comrade Ayodeji Rilwan Tinubu has also applauded Dr. Opeifa’s appointment, stating that it marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s railway development. “I have every confidence that the nation’s rail infrastructure will see significant improvements under his leadership,” he said. With Dr. Opeifa at the helm, Nigeria Railway Corporation is poised for transformation, and Nigerians can expect more efficient railway services that will drive economic growth and improve their quality of life.