Speaking on The Exchange podcast with Femi Soneye, Dr. Opeifa, traced the country’s rail woes to years of government inaction, noting that from 1962 to 2000, “we built nothing, we did nothing.”

The NRC boss hailed the 2023 constitutional amendment that moved rail from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List as a game-changer.

This allows states, local governments, and the private sector to finally invest in rail infrastructure, breaking decades of federal monopoly.

Lagos State, once “frustrated by the federal government” in its metro rail projects, is now free to expand its Red, Blue, Green, and Purple lines.

Dr. Opeifa outlined a three-pillar framework for rail success: statutes, structures, and processes.

With laws now in place, he emphasized, states must focus on building the right agencies and operational guidelines.

Already, six states—including Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, and Borno—are actively rolling out metro rail plans.

The federal government is complementing these efforts with a National Rail Master Plan, ready for launch, which aims to connect all states with modern rail lines—boosting national integration and economic growth.

Opeifa predicted many states could start construction by 2026, signaling a dramatic break from decades of inertia.

He said the Lagos-Ibadan rail line, completed in just three years, proved that with political will, Nigeria could deliver complex rail projects within a single government tenure.

The country is now transitioning from a centralized, stagnant system to a decentralized, competitive, and collaborative rail network—finally giving Nigerians reason to hope, he said.

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The event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

‎‎The symposium represents a pinnacle of a year-long celebration honouring the university’s remarkable journey since its founding in 1975.

‎It will gather distinguished alumni, academics, industry leaders, and stakeholders to reflect on the institution’s achievements, contributions to national development, and future prospects in education and innovation.

‎‎The event will be chaired by a distinguished alum, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), whose leadership in infrastructure and public service aligns with the university’s legacy of excellence.

‎Adding to the prestige, the symposium will be graced by Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, and Professor AbdurRazaq Kilani, President of the Unilorin Alumni Association and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt.

‎‎The symposium underscores the association’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections and supporting the university’s ongoing mission.

‎‎Engineer Isiwat Lawal, Vice-President of the Unilorin Alumni Association and Lagos State Anchor, stated: “This grand symposium is more than an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Unilorin. As we mark 50 years of academic excellence, we invite all alumni and well-wishers to join us in celebrating our shared heritage and charting a bold path forward. Together, we continue to build on the foundations laid by our alma mater.”

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The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, confirmed this in a statement made available on Tuesday in Lagos.

Opeifa noted that the train derailment happened near Agbor in Delta State.

“The suspects, two male, aged 27 and 39, were apprehended around kilometre 208 before Abraka, Delta State, on Nov. 4, by operatives of the NRC Police Command, in collaboration with local security agents.

“Preliminary investigations and their confessional statements revealed their direct involvement in tampering with vital components of the rail track,” he said.

Opeifa commended the railway police command and community security networks for their swift and coordinated response.

He stated that the suspects would face the full wrath of the government for sabotaging national infrastructure and endangering public safety.

Opeifa reiterated the corporation’s zero-tolerance policy on vandalism, describing the act as economic sabotage and a serious threat to national security.

He emphasised NRC’s continued collaboration with security agencies to ensure that all individuals involved in such acts are apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

In a related development, Opeifa also confirmed that the re-railment and full restoration of the affected portion of the Warri-Itakpe track were completed on November 2

“Following a thorough safety inspection and operational audit, normal train operations on the corridor will resume on Nov. 5,” he said.

The managing director reassured passengers and stakeholders that NRC remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.

He added that the corporation would intensify surveillance, deploying advanced security technologies, and strengthen community engagement along all railway corridors.

“The corporation appreciates the patience and understanding of passengers and the general public during the brief suspension period,” he said.

Source: NAN

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It however stated that all passengers in the train were safe.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

His words: “We wish to inform the public that a train derailment incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 19:.30 hours, involving two out of the seven coaches of our WITS at Kilometer 212+8m, Agbor.

“Preliminary investigations indicated that the incident may have been caused by suspected track vandalism.

“We are pleased to confirm that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, and everyone has been fully accounted for. No casualties or injuries were recorded.”

Opeifa said that the NRC recovery team, supported by security personnel, had been at the site since last night carrying out recovery operations.

He added that the efforts were progressing steadily and expected to be completed soon.

“As a precautionary measure, train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended today to enable a comprehensive security and safety audit of the track and related infrastructure.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued passengers and the public.

“Normal operations will resume as soon as it is verified safe to do so,” he assured.

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The Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, made this known in a press statement issued on Sunday.

He explained that the temporary suspension was necessary to carry out critical repairs, maintenance, and system checks on the track and rolling stock to ensure the comfort, reliability and safety of passengers.

The online booking portal, he said, would be opened by 12 noon on Monday, October 27, 2025, about 48 hours ahead of resumption, via https://nrc-fane.ng .

He said passengers were encouraged to secure their tickets early through the portal or at designated stations.

“Operations will commence with seven coaches, comprising six standard class and one business class. The train timetable, incorporating temporary speed restrictions (TSR) for safety and operational monitoring, will also be released on Monday.

“The Corporation sincerely apologizes to its esteemed passengers and stakeholders for the inconveniences experienced during the period of suspension and appreciates their patience and understanding.

“The Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, assures the travelling public of the NRC’s renewed commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services as passenger operations resume fully on the Warri–Itakpe corridor,” the statement reads in part.

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When the train derailed, a total of 618 persons were onboard. This comprised of 583 passengers, 15 NRC crew members, one medical personnel, eight cleaners, and 11 catering staff. All individuals were safely evacuated. In Nigeria, the latest train derailment is not the first and it is unlikely to be the last.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria has recorded 188 train derailments between 2020 and 2025 alone. Between 2020 and 2022, 183 derailments occurred, 57 in 2020, 61 in 2021, and 65 in 2022, making derailment the most common railway accident in recent years. What could be responsible for the frequent train accidents in the country? One fact is the vandalization of the rail tracks. This has been identified as one of the major causes of train accidents in Nigeria. There are vandals who are into the stealing of railway sleepers and other components on the rail lines. To them, those components are their own sources of income. They are professionals who have a ready market for those items.

Again, there are several Baban bola (scavengers) and ‘iron condemn’ men (metal scrap collectors) who roam the rail tracks, looking for rail line bolts and nuts to steal and immediately sell for quick cash. The fact that those components are there for a purpose is not their business.

If vandalism is eventually identified as the main cause of the latest train derailment, the Nigerian Railway Corporation Workers won’t be surprised. The Workers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NURW) believe that vandalism has been the major cause of the incidences of train derailment in the country in the last couple of years. The President-General of the NURW, Comrade Innocent Ajiji, had this to say:

“What happened is beyond the NRC. Our tracks are well maintained on a daily and weekly basis. We have engineers who service our trains also on a weekly basis to ensure that the trains are in good condition. But when you have people who go and tamper with the rail tracks all in the name of track vandalism, if the train derails, do you blame the NRC? The same issue is confronting the Warri-Itakpe train. The tracks have been vandalised and that’s why the train has been suspended for almost three weeks now. On the Abuja-Kaduna train, Asham is a flashpoint for all sorts of illegal activities like vandalism. That was why the NRC had to close down the station at Asham after the accident that happened there last year. The blame should not be on the NRC because the railway assets are well maintained by the management. The only solution to avert incidents like what happened on the Abuja-Kaduna train is proper security of railway assets. Railway assets are not well secured, and that’s why they are always exposed to vandalism.”

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Indeed, the security of railway assets across the country is the sole responsibility of the Nigeria Police, and in carrying out this obligation, a special unit was created for the Railway Corporation called the Railway unit. But the question is if they have the required number of personnel to man the over 4,000 kilometres tracks across the country.

Other likely factors are poor maintenance, weak security controls, and ageing infrastructure.

In September 2023, a Kaduna-bound passenger train derailed at Kukere Station. Although no lives were lost, some coaches were affected. In October 2023, a minor derailment occurred near Asham Railway Station (close to Jere). Passengers were stranded for hours before the line was cleared. In March 2022, terrorists attacked the Abuja–Kaduna train, leaving nine people dead and dozens abducted. The attack caused a suspension of train services for several months. In August 5, 2023, Troops of the 4 special forces of the Nigerian Army arrested three suspected rail track vandals at Kwarra community of Keana Local Government Area in Nasarawa. Those arrested were caught with a large quantity of rail tracks loaded in one 18-tyre truck with registration number DED 364 YC. Preliminary investigations showed that one Chibuki Akubilo, the driver, was contacted to convey the vandalised rail tracks to Ilorin, Kwara state, for N1.6 million. These are big time vandals who are ready to shell out millions of naira for their nefarious trade.

Now is the time for the federal government to find a permanent solution to the activities of rail track vandals.

Again, on June 30, troop arrested 12 suspected rail track vandals in Angwan Yara, Keana LGA of Nasarawa. The suspects were arrested with a large amount of rail tracks loaded in two trucks. After they were caught, they offered the troops a N5 million bribe. In Borno State, five suspected vandals were arrested by the police in March 29, 2025, for the vandalization and theft of rail sleepers and tracks along the Buni/Yadi-Maiduguri railway line in the Kaga Local Council of the state. The vandalized railway items comprised 62 rail sleepers and 48 rail tracks worth millions of Naira. Few days later, another set of five suspected vandals were arrested for the vandalism and theft of 110 rail sleepers and tracks. Those arrested were Abba Modu Shuwa, 25; Mustapha Bura, 25; Ali Malami, 17; and Mustapha Abba, 27.

Similarly, in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Railway Police apprehended suspects involved in the theft of 56 pieces of fish plates, bolts, and nuts between kilometres 413 and 414 near Idi-Ose Village. The arrest of Wasiu Musa of Ajia Village on June 12 this year led to further investigations and the recovery of additional materials. On June 20, Usman Bashir was also arrested with a large cache of stolen railway items. In Gombe, the Railway Police intercepted a blue vehicle loaded with suspected stolen steel sleepers. Two suspects were arrested and are assisting with ongoing investigations. When most of these bolts and nuts are removed, trains are made vulnerable to derailment at any time. What is sad and annoying is that these vandals are not mere petty criminals; they are enemies of the state. Their actions not only destroy national infrastructure but also put countless lives at risk. Some of those arrested have been charged to court but were released after serving few months in jail.

It is sad that the nation’s rail tracks are now vulnerable to vandals who can wake up at any time to damage railway tracks for their selfish gain. The Nigerian Police which have a whole unit devoted to the protection of railway assets across the country are mostly caught unawares by the vandals. They also do not have enough manpower to effectively monitor the rail tracks across the country. Although their efforts were recently complemented with the establishment of a separate unit for the railway by the NSCDC, the vandals are still having a field day.

Perhaps, it is time to consider employing locals to monitor and guard railway tracks across the country as it was done when the federal government gave out surveillance contract for the protection of the nation’s crude oil pipeline to Tantita Security Services led by Tompolo, a former militant leader in the Niger Delta. Since he came on board, attacks on oil pipelines have reduced significantly and the nation is now inching towards meeting its crude oil OPEC quota.

Again, we could consider the deployment of drones to monitor the railway tracks. With the use of science and technology, the frequent derailment of trains due to the activities of vandals would become a thing of the past.

However, few days after the August 26th derailment, NRC’s Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, announced a sweeping reorganisation that includes the appointment, redeployment, and retention of District Managers and senior officers across the corporation’s operational corridors in a bid to ensure efficiency and effective service delivery by NRC personnel. The shake-up, which took effect from September 1, 2025, is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, service delivery, and accountability within the corporation. Three new offices have also been created as part of the restructuring. These are Business Process, Efficiency and Due Diligence Desk; Customer Service Desk; and the Corporation’s Statistician Office.

This development is intended to strengthen business processes and customer engagement. However, until we discourage vandals from tampering with the nation’s railway infrastructures through the court imposing stiffer penalties on them, we would still be having issues with rail track vandalism. Government’s assets should be seen as ours and should be protected by all. Again, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), should embark on campaigns that would educate Nigerians on the danger of tampering with rail tracks and other national infrastructure.

The Muhamadu Buhari regime spent billions of Dollars on the modernisation of the nation’s railway infrastructure, and loans were taken from China. We are still paying back those loans and this is not the time for vandals to scare Nigerians away from rail transport as a mode of transportation.

An efficient railway system would take a lot of pressure off the nation’s road network as goods, including fuel, can be moved from one part of the country to another. Now is the time for the federal government to find a permanent solution to the activities of rail track vandals.

See you next week.

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It was one of those rare weeks that seemed to sprint past like a 100-metre dash yet managed to etch memories as indelible as carved stone. In just seven days, my calendar brimmed with nostalgia, honour, camaraderie, and renewed bonds—threaded through three distinct alumni encounters that spanned cities, professions, and decades of shared history.

In a seeming echo of “charity begins at home”, the week began in the tranquil town of Ede, Osun State, where the 1976–1981 cohort of Ede Muslim Grammar School had planned what I thought would be a modest get-together. It turned out to be far more. It ended as an effusive special reception in my honour to celebrate my recent elevation to professorship. The venue, Dignity Hotel, lived up to its name, dressed in understated elegance, and buzzing with anticipation.

Old girls and boys of my set streamed in, each bringing with them a piece of our shared youth. Among the earliest arrivals was the ever-first Elejigbo, Fatai Oyeyemi, accompanied by his gracious wife. Soon after came Haji Kazeem Mustapha, whose laughter could still fill a stadium, and Suebat Adenle, our indefatigable cohort secretary whose organisational flair remains undimmed. Alhaji Kayode Adetunji arrived with a warmth that instantly took us back to our school corridors, followed by Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf, better known as Ebedi,   The General Manager of Osun State Ambulance Services, Dr Olapade Mukaila also joined, alongside several other well-meaning colleagues who had travelled from their respective current locations.

The air was rich with the aroma of sumptuous delicacies, and pastries that got gulped as quickly as they were served. Drinks flowed freely, loosening tongues and lubricating memories. Soon, the room erupted into the familiar banter of old classmates: mischievous tales of school escapades, long-forgotten nicknames, and legendary incidents retold with dramatic flourishes. Laughter blared ceaselessly, echoing long after the sun had surrendered to night. By the time the evening wound down, I felt not just celebrated, but anchored in a community that had shaped my earliest ambitions.

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I unpacked from Ede and right on Monday, August 11, 2025, entered the second phase of my reunion week. This time, I joined my former UNILORIN folks, drawn from different sets though. The venue was the command post of none other than Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC. As with Governor Adeleke at Ede Muslim Grammar School, Opeifa and I graduated the same year from Unilorin. Time to hum the Yoruba folk song of “ori’re kon’re mi…’ for Kay as he was fondly hailed at Ilorin.  Dr Opeifa was recently honoured as a distinguished alumnus of our “Better by Far” University of Ilorin.

The Lagos Branch of the Alumni Association, seizing the moment, arrived with a life-size congratulatory banner that stood like a sentinel in the room. As leader of the delegation, Engineer Isiwat Lawal from the Lagos State Ministry of Works announced our mission: to rally support for the national body’s plan to commemorate the university’s 50th anniversary in a manner worthy of its legacy.

Opeifa’s reaction was most prompt and pleasant. He instantly declared his full support for the anniversary plans and promised to marshal every resource within his reach. Wasting no time, he summoned all Unilorin alumni within reach at NRC, including Dr Toheeb Quadri, to join the courtesy moment. He urged them to be part of what he described as “a glorious proposal for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.” In that moment, the past and future of our alma mater  fused manifesting pride and purpose.

Running almost parallel to my Ede reception was the third phase of my reunion series.  It was the National Elective Conference of The Companion, held from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Peace Hotel in Ilorin, Kwara State. The Companion is not just any association. It is the post-university family of those who once belonged to the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) during their tertiary education years.  It is one family of professionals and business people bound by faith, ethics, and service.

This year’s conference drew an impressive roster of dignitaries. Royal fathers graced the opening: the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, and the Aala of Ilala, Oba Abdulfatai Oladega Talabi. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Sulayman Ibrahim, a transnationally seasoned IT expert, while the principal goodwill message came from Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, Principal of Ghalib Law Firm.

Fleeting though it was, that week of reunions has left me convinced that while honours and titles may fade with time, the bonds we build and the communities we serve endure far longer

Themed “Thriving Amidst Adversity: Strategies for Survival in Nigeria’s Challenging Economy,” the conference became a melting pot of ideas, reflections, and pragmatic counsel. From calls for attitudinal change and anti-corruption discipline to appeals for government support of MSMEs, the resolutions covered a broad spectrum of national concerns. Youth development was a recurring refrain: participants urged young Nigerians to embrace creativity, diligence, and entrepreneurship as shields against the harsh economy.

For me, the conference carried personal significance. At its close, I was entrusted with the role of Public Affairs Director in the new National Executive Council, led by the newly elected National Amir, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, a retired oil and gas executive whose calm authority inspires confidence. It was an honour steeped in responsibility, aligning with The Companion’s sustained mission to combine professional excellence with service to humanity.

The communiqué issued at the end reflected both the seriousness of the deliberations and the optimism that fuels the group’s work. From ratifying a nine-member Board of Trustees for The Companion Zakat and Zadaqah Foundation to granting autonomy to its youth wing, The Dawn, the conference underscored the association’s commitment to renewal and impact.

By the week’s end, I found myself mulling over a simple truth: reunions are far more than social niceties. They are living proof that time may separate us geographically, but shared experiences—whether forged in school classrooms, university lecture halls, or faith-based fellowships—remain potent connectors. Each event that week, in its own way, was a bridge between past and present, carrying both the laughter of youthful adventures and the gravitas of present responsibilities.

At Ede, it was the intimacy of childhood bonds and the joy of seeing how far each had come. In Lagos, it was the strategic alignment of alumni energy towards a shared institutional milestone. In Ilorin, it was the reaffirmation of purpose, rooted in faith and amplified by professional diversity.

Of course, these gatherings also had their lighter side. In Ede, the jokes about who had aged most gracefully and who hadn’t never quite ended. At NRC headquarters, the playful ribbing about radical and rascally students’ leadrers drew chuckles even from the MD.

But beneath the laughter was something enduring: the quiet acknowledgement that these connections—whether to classmates, alumni peers, or faith companions—are invaluable threads in the fabric of our lives. They remind us of where we began, they enrich our present, and they can, if nurtured, shape a better collective future.

As I returned to my desk after the somewhat colourful week, my mind was still warmed by the camaraderie, my spirit buoyed by the celebrations, and my sense of duty sharpened by the responsibilities newly entrusted to me. Fleeting though it was, that week of reunions has left me convinced that while honours and titles may fade with time, the bonds we build and the communities we serve endure far longer

*Akanni is a professor of Journalism and Development Communications at LASU, Nigeria.

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The association expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost, describing the incident as “a temporary setback.”

In a statement by its president, Isiwat A. Lawal, and general secretary, J. J. Ajadi, the association equally reaffirmed its solidarity with Opeifa, noting that his “trajectory of accomplishments — from his role as Transportation Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to his unprecedented coordination of LASTMA in Lagos State — remains a reassuring testament to his competence and energy.”

“We believe Dr Opeifa’s promptness saved the nation from unnecessary embarrassment,” the association said, adding: “Under Dr. Opeifa’s purposeful leadership, we are confident that the NRC will attain enviable heights and deliver excellent services Nigerians will celebrate.”

The association assured Opeifa of its prayers and unwavering support “as he continues to reposition the NRC for greater efficiency and national pride.”

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The Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.

Opeifa said he visited the accident site on Wednesday, August 27, to personally supervise recovery operations alongside NRC recovery engineers.

“During the exercise, the recovery team successfully retrieved one of the derailed passenger coaches, in addition to the locomotive earlier recovered on the day,” he stated.

He commended the engineers for their professionalism, resilience, and swift response in managing the situation.

The managing director also appreciated security agencies deployed to the site for ensuring that the recovery process was conducted smoothly, safely, and without disruption.

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He further acknowledged the media as a vital partner, thanking them for their continuous support during this challenging period.

Opeifa stressed that credible, factual information was essential to help Nigerians understand the true situation and the progress being achieved.

“NRC reassures its esteemed passengers and the public that all necessary measures are being taken to restore train operations in the shortest possible time.

“Passenger safety and service reliability remain the corporation’s top priorities,” he added.

Source: NAN

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The incident caused panic among the passengers, many of whom scrambled to safety.

Although details remained sketchy, there were no confirmed reports of casualties as of press time.

Eyewitnesses said some coaches were badly affected, with the passengers sustaining minor injuries while trying to exit the overturned cabins.

The exact cause of the derailment was yet to be determined.

However, possible factors being considered include vandalism and scavengers’ activities along the rail line, or mechanical issues such as hot axles.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has not issued an official statement, but emergency responders were said to be assessing the situation.

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Authorities were also expected to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.

That was not the first challenge faced on the route.

The Kaduna-Abuja rail corridor had witnessed disruptions and security threats in the past, most notably the March 2022 terrorist attack that claimed several lives and led to the suspension of services.

Also, just last week, the Abuja-Kaduna train service experienced a technical scare linked to a hot axle.

Thursday’s incident has once again raised questions about the safety and maintenance of one of Nigeria’s most critical rail lines, which serves thousands of passengers daily.

The Managing Director of NRC, Mr Kayode Opeifa, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in a telephone interview on Tuesday: “Yes, it has been confirmed. But there was no any casualty.”

Source: NAN

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