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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Soneye made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday after receiving the NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications Award, conferred on him by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council.

The NUJ leadership, led by Chairperson Grace Ike, alongside the Deputy Chair, Secretary-General, and other executives, described Soneye as a consummate professional who has distinguished himself with tact and excellence in the communications field.

In his remarks, Soneye noted that while the Nigerian media remained one of the most vibrant in Africa, it continued to grapple with systemic challenges that weakened its effectiveness.

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“The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges, financial, political, legal, and technological that weaken its effectiveness. The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure,” he said.

He also urged the federal government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation, drawing parallels with models in South Africa, the United States, and Canada.

The award underscores Soneye’s long-standing contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his advocacy for a stronger, independent, and sustainable Nigerian media.

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Three highbrow resignations of recent are those of the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale; the NNPC Limited spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, and now the chairman of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. If you asked, you would most likely be told by a cross-section of our people that the reasons given by the threesome for their resignation were suspect!

Public officers – and these include politicians – be they elected or appointed – hardly resign here on their own volition. Whenever they quit office, it is most likely they were forced to do so. Many get fired just like that! They get to hear the announcement on the radio while at home cuddling their wife; on the way to or from office, while on international assignments abroad – just name it!

Announcing his resignation on 7 September, 2024. Ngelale said he did so to address medical issues affecting his immediate family. Grapevine sources, however, said he lost out in the power-play that ensued amongst the top media minders of Mr. President. His aloofness from his professional colleagues, leading to his inability to rally his constituency, was said to have rendered him impotent in the eyes of his bosses.

A few weeks after a clean sweep of the top Management positions in the NNPCL by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the appointment on 2 April, 2025 of Bashir Ojulari as the new sheriff in town, the spokesperson of the octopus oil company, Olufemi Soneye, tendered his letter of resignation, precisely on 21 June, 2025. His reason was that he needed more time to devote to his family as well as attend to personal responsibilities that require his closer attention.

Reading his reasons for resigning his post, I laughed! I am sure the majority of Nigerians will do likewise! Pardon those of us who think or act that way! As it is said, a man is the sum total of his experience; and our experience here is that people hardly resign their positions, even when it is crystal clear they should. Someone said a silent house-cleaning exercise is ongoing at the NNPCL. The oil company must be given a thorough shake-up if it is to fulfill its mandate and live up to expectations.

Ganduje’s resignation took many unawares. What is cooking? Next was the rumour that the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, was also on his way out, before that rumour was debunked. But Ganduje’s resignation was real. The man is out in the cold already and someone else has started acting in his place.

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The interesting thing about Ganduje’s resignation is the kite being flown by his supporters to hide the actual reasons why he resigned: That he was leaving because his former boss turned arch-rival, Rabiu Kwankwaso, was coming into the party! The reasons advanced at the other end are quite different, though; giving an impression that the resignation was nothing but a generous, face-saving softlanding.

The leopard cannot change its skin. The official statement, however, is that Ganduje resigned on health grounds!

Why do people hide the reasons behind their resignation? Most of the time, it is because they have not done well. Another reason is that spilling the beans can be dangerous. If you know too much, you are not allowed to talk that much. The Third Republic ex-governor of Oyo state, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who died recently, told an interviewer that there are secrets people necessarily must take to their grave. Ex-governor of Osun State and first chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, also said a similar thing.

The disadvantage, however, is that vital information is lost to the system as well as to the generality of our people. The system does not get better, and the institutions of state do not get stronger when there are no consequences for bad behaviour.

The worst aspect of it is that those concerned will always be looked at with suspicion and whispers will trail them everywhere they go. Did he, did he not? Maybe, maybe not! They will forever have to cast curious glances about them everywhere they go. Why men prefer such discomfort instead of speaking the truth and putting the devil to shame gives food for thought.

But in the likelihood of the reasons given by the resignees being truthful, then, it means a new template is being established and we must congratulate and wish them the very best in their new endeavours.

FEEDBACK

RE: FG, NUJ and Yahaya Bello…

What a good write-up! The rate of corruption is increasing at an alarming rate in Nigeria. Who will purify the society? – Joseph Olanrewaju Adepoju.

Well done, my brother! (The write-up) is such an un-put-down-able read! I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘series’, as it was an agglomeration of so many topical issues affecting all spheres or sections of our society. May your pen never run dry! – Arc. Kayode Anibaba.

Well said! Well written! Well argued! Thanks! What else to say as the nation continues to lose the social institutions that should serve as pillars of its integrity and conscience! Like you observed, the students union, gone! The Bar and Bench, gone! Human rights groups, gone! NUJ, NGE, all gone, fallen prey to corruption, indiscipline, and love for filthy lucre! Those one-time formidable allies of the people have jumped ship and now dine with the devil, so to speak! To whom, then, shall we run for redemption? Let people like you continue to roar in this wilderness of ours, like biblical John the Baptist. Maybe a redeemer or Daniel will one day come to judgment! – Dipo Onabanjo.

I have always loved the way you hit the nail on the head by calling a spade, a spade! Standards have gone down in the (Journalism) profession and the Union. Something needs to be done to stop the downward trend. May your ink never dry! – Wale Ojo.

Nigeria is sucked in already! But let those who are righteous continue to be righteous still, and the unrighteous also should continue. We will not carry money to heaven and, like my people would say, you cannot eat beyond what your stomach can take! – Adebola Olowo.

A good read and suitable for record purposes. The NUJ was celebrating Yahaya ta-ta-ta-ta as a result of what they received from him when he was in office while the FG was celebrating him for the role he played and will still play for Tinubu’s second term. In both cases, that tells you what money can do to sway rational thinking. – Tola Winjobi.

Horrible! The leadership ought to be impeached! – Comrade Femi Aborishade.

Nigeria is now a joke! – Adunbarin Segun Kukoyi.

Truly, both acts of recognition used as garlands on ex-governor Yahaya Bello should be a painful concern to Nigerians, especially those who witnessed the abuses that preceded his enthronement as governor, his tenure as well as the post-term sacrilegious behaviour of dragging the EFCC in the mud. The man who exhibited such an uncomplimentary attitude in and out of his executive position at only 50 years of age does not deserve NUJ’s Lifetime Award or the presidency’s birthday wishes. Both acts remain a blight on the nation’s claim to fighting corruption – which many citizens continue to doubt anyway! Except the word “corruption” has acquired a different meaning in our society! – Dele Morakinyo. 

I can understand your concern. Apart from the two cases that you mentioned, another baffling issue which has generated much reaction in the social media recently was how the FG could descend so low as to dabble into the personal case between the honorable Senator Natasha Akpoti and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha was arraigned for the flimsy and trivial issue of making defamatory statements that could ruin the “reputation” of Akpabio and Yahaya Bello! What we are witnessing is simply part of the preparatory measures for the coming 2027 general elections. – Dr. J.F. Olukotun. 

You hit the nail on the head but I am sure you have stepped on so many toes! Kindly keep it up as the watchdog of the society that journalists ought to be. It is very unfortunate that we found ourselves in this situation; not NUJ alone but the society generally is full of sycophants, including in the presidency. – Soga Bashola.

Honestly, I am fed up with our country and its institutions. Imagine NUJ! We no longer have any honour left in us. I am not surprised at the Presidency’s congratulatory message to Yahaya Bello, but they should note that Donald Duke became the governor of Cross River State at 38, while Bello became Governor at 40. So the record for the youngest governor in the 4th Republic goes to Donald Duke. – Alhaji 1010.

Very interesting piece, but were you surprised? NUJ derailed a long time ago, before I left journalism in 1990. Many union officers at national and state levels see their position as a shortcut to political appointments. They overdo each other in conferring fawning awards and accolades on militicians and politicians likely to enhance their chances. It will only get worse as the rat race to mine professional rewards from political largesse persists. – Wole Agunbiade.

*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of the Westerner newsmagazine. He writes the “ON THE LORD’S DAY” column in the Sunday Tribune and “TREASURES” column in the New Telegraph newspapers. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

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In a statement issued on Saturday, he said his action was based on the need to devote more time to his family, and attend to personal responsibilities that required his closer presence.

He described as an honour the opportunity to serve both the company and Nigeria, and contribute to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd.

His words: “I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals both within and outside the organisation with whom I have worked.

“I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future.”

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The statement reads in full:

Dear Esteemed Colleagues,

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the unwavering support, professionalism, and genuine commitment you’ve shown in helping to shape and amplify the NNPC Ltd story over the past 20 months. Your role in building a vibrant and effective communications presence for our national energy company has been nothing short of invaluable.

I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.

This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence.

It has been a profound honour to serve both the company and our country and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd. I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals both within and outside the organisation with whom I have worked.

I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future.

With sincere appreciation,

Olufemi Soneye.

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Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., said in a statement on Saturday that scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment would commence on May 24, 2025.

Soneye said the company was working assiduously with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient maintenance.

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“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to ensure the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently.

“NNPC Ltd. remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria.

“Further updates will be provided regularly through our official channels, including our website, media platforms and public statements,” Soneye said.

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The award was given to him on Thursday, April 17 by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR.

In a press release on Sunday, April 20,  GOCOP President, Ms. Maureen Chigbo, commended Soneye’s exceptional achievement, describing it as a testament to his professionalism and dedication to impactful communication.

The press release signed by Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Publicity Secretary of GOCOP said:

“This recognition is a shining affirmation of your commitment to transparency, professionalism, and effectiveness in strategic communication of your company’s policies to its various publics in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas sector.”

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Chigbo said that Soneye’s leadership in corporate communication at NNPC Ltd had set a new standard for public communication in the industry, and his emergence as the recipient of the award was a reflection of his exceptional skill and integrity.

Chigbo is particularly happy that Soneye is a good ambassador of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, where he was a member before his appointment as the chief communications officer of the NNPCL.

Soneye’s achievement, she said, was a badge of honour not just for him, but for the entire organisation.

On behalf of GOCOP’s 120 members, Ms. Chigbo congratulated Soneye and urged him to continue to lift the image of the national oil company to greater heights.

“GOCOP commended Mr. Soneye for his outstanding contribution to corporate communication in Nigeria and celebrates his well-deserved recognition.

“We are proud to have you as a member, and we pray to God to grant you many more blessings of good health of mind and body to continue to excel in your job and service to the nation,” she said.

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The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, made this known on Friday.

In a press statement he issued, Soneye stated that the team which will be headed by the GCEO, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has Rowland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer; Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer; and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power & New Energy.

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Other members of the team are: Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer.

All appointments are with immediate effect.

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The denial is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Chief Corporate Communication Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye.

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The company explained that what happened was a flare incident, and that it had since been totally contained.

“There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities or the environment,” the statement reads in part.

The company urged the media and public to discountenance the report, stressing that it was false.

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The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr Olufemi Soneye, made the declaration in a statement issued on Friday.

Speaking against the backdrop of a report, he said the claim that there was an explosion was false.

He said on January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area One were intentionally curtailed to carry out necessary intervention works on select equipment, including field instruments that were impacting sustainable and steady operations.

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“These intervention works are essential to ensure the production of on specification finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero).

“The routine maintenance is progressing as planned, and Area One will be back in operation within the next few days.

“In spite of ongoing interventions, over the past 11 days, AGO loading has been maintained at an average of eight trucks per day, with a sufficient supply available to sustain ongoing truck load-out operations,” he said.

Soneye said NNPC Ltd. remained committed to ensuring uninterrupted product supply.

He also expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders towards completing these essential maintenance activities.

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The company said the rehabilitation done at the 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt Refinery and Warri Refinery was not the typical Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past, but a comprehensive overhaul, designed to meet global standards.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, made the clarification in a statement on Thursday while responding to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s comments on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

The former president had earlier expressed doubts about the operational status of the rehabilitated 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt refinery and Warri refinery.

Obasanjo had said that the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, advised against the Port Harcourt Refinery’s viability due to corruption, and alleged that the NNPC Ltd. misled Nigerians by claiming that its refineries were operational.

Reacting, Soneye said that a notable achievement of the NNPC Ltd. was the overhauling of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, while similar efforts were underway at the second Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.

He said the NNPC Ltd was committed to enhance and maintain the refineries to global standards for sustainable operations.

Soneye, however, invited the former president to visit the rehabilitated refineries and witness firsthand the progress made under the leadership of NNPC Limited.

“We extend an invitation to our esteemed former president to join us in this historic journey.

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate his insights and guidance, which will always be welcomed and cherished.

“We hold President Olusegun Obasanjo in the highest regard as a respected statesman who has made significant contributions to the growth and progress of Nigeria.

“His dedication to national development and his right to speak on matters of national importance are both deeply respected,” he said.

Highlighting NNPC’s transformation, Soneye said that it had evolved into NNPC Limited, a private entity that transitioned from being a loss-making organisation to a profit-oriented global energy leader.

Under the new model, he said, the NNPC Limited had expanded beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company.

“Our focus is not only on harnessing traditional resources but also on developing cleaner, cheaper, and sustainable energy solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing demands.

“This progress has been driven by the visionary leadership of the NNPC Limited board and the management team led by GCEO Mele Kyari, alongside President Bola Tinubu’s transformative policies in the energy sector,” he said.

Source: NAN

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