Railway Boss visits Northern District Headquarters in Zaria

….Assures That Pensions Issues Will Be Resolved

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, last Friday paid a working visit to the Corporation’s Northern District Headquarters in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The visit is part of the Managing Director’s ongoing nationwide assessment tour of operational facilities and infrastructure under the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

During his time in Zaria, Dr. Opeifa met with district management and staff, inspected key installations, and reviewed ongoing and upcoming projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

As part of his engagement, Dr. Opeifa met with the Staff, Nigerian Union of Railwaymen (NUR), the Senior Staff Association (SSA), Pilot Drivers on training and the Pensioners.

He reassured railway pensioners that issues concerning outstanding pensions are already being addressed, and urged them to remain calm, adding that concrete steps are being taken to resolve all concerns.

“We understand the importance of pension to our retired personnel, and I want to assure you that everything necessary is being done,” Dr. Opeifa stated.

“I will do all within my power to ensure that you receive what is rightfully yours.”

During the visit, he also toured key support facilities including the NRC Training School, the District Clinic, the Central Workshop, and the Permanent Ways Hotel. He commended the efforts of the staff managing these facilities but emphasized the urgent need for upgrades and modernization to improve service delivery, staff welfare, and capacity building.

The NRC boss said that, to truly transform the Nigerian Railway system, we must also invest in our people, their health, their training, and the infrastructure that supports them.

In a show of gratitude and support, the Railway District Manager (RDM) of the Northern District Zaria , Engr. Adedeji Adewala Rasheed, thanked the Managing Director for the visit and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to the national vision.

“We are honoured by your presence, sir, and I assure you that the Northern District will always be ready to receive you at any time,” Engr. Rasheed stated.

The Iron Men of this district stand firmly behind you and will give you their full support to ensure that your objectives in transforming the railway system are fully achieved. He said.

He emphasized the importance of the Northern District to the national railway network, particularly in enhancing connectivity between key cities, boosting trade and agricultural logistics, and supporting economic development across the northern region.

“We are committed to revitalizing the railway system across the country, and Zaria remains a critical hub in this transformation,” he added. “Our focus is on efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability, ensuring that the NRC meets the demands of a modern transport system.”

Opeifa was warmly received by other senior officials, who briefed him on current operations, challenges, and areas of opportunity. Dr. Opeifa assured the team of continued support and strategic interventions aimed at improving service delivery and expanding rail infrastructure.

This visit underscores the NRC’s dedication to closer engagement with its regional offices and stakeholders, reaffirming its mission to deliver reliable and world-class rail transport services for Nigeria.

MIKE OCHONMA
Editor