The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its workers and creating a safer, more friendly work environment.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, made this assurance during a town hall meeting, according to a statement issued on Friday in Lagos.
“Let me assure you that the corporation will continue to prioritize your welfare, but you must understand our precarious financial situation.
“The cost of diesel alone has nearly made it impossible to operate our trains.
“We are operating at a loss and have had to borrow to sustain our operations,” Opeifa told NRC employees.
It was noted that NRC has two workers’ unions: the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NUR) and the Senior Staff Workers Union. Members of both unions attended the meeting.
Opeifa acknowledged the efforts of the workers in maintaining NRC’s operations.
He stated that the corporation would improve workers’ welfare as soon as its financial situation improves.
Opeifa assured that NRC management would continue collaborating with the unions on all issues, emphasizing that under his leadership, workers would not need to strike to resolve conflicts.
He directed the Human Resources Department to address all concerns raised by the workforce.
Opeifa also announced plans to deploy a high-speed train from Lagos to Abuja as part of expansion efforts.
“This will require additional space for the construction of the corridor and modern quarters for essential workers,” he explained.
Additionally, he mentioned plans to construct a new, befitting NRC headquarters at Murtala Muhammed Way, Ebute-Meta, Lagos State.
Earlier, NUR President Mr. Innocent Ajiji and his counterpart from the Senior Staff Workers Union, Mr. Marcel Okeke, commended the NRC managing director for reforming the organization.
The union leaders urged management to expedite the payment of the 95 percent enhancement benefit owed to railway workers.
The event’s highlights included the presentation of certificates of excellence and the NRC Managing Director’s Cash Award to 13 workers recognized for their exceptional contributions to the corporation’s development in 2025.
