The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, paid his first official visit to the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) since assuming office.
Dr. Opeifa, who was warmly received by WITS Coordinator, Mr. Wuyep Nanjul, management staff, security agencies, and representatives of in-house unions— NUR and SSA – described WITS employees as “Iron Men,” assuring them of his commitment to work closely with the team.
Addressing the gathering, the NRC boss commended the staff for their dedication, saying:
“I have come to tell you thank you. You have done well. The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Africa, says he has been enjoying your work, and we have not forgotten you.”
Dr. Opeifa highlighted the strategic importance of the Warri–Itakpe corridor, which he referred to as the “center line,” announcing plans to link the line to Warri Port and extend it to Abuja by next year. He emphasized that this expansion would allow the movement of goods from Warri through Abuja to Kano, positioning the route as one of Nigeria’s most vital railway corridors.
On staff welfare, he disclosed that efforts were underway to ensure workers begin receiving 95% pay and pledged to provide new uniforms for WITS employees, with annual renewals. He also promised improved welfare packages while cautioning workers to shun manipulative and unprofessional conduct.
The visit also featured a symbolic handover ceremony, as Dr. Opeifa formally introduced Engr. Sanni AbdulGaniyu’s successor, Mr. Wuyep Nanjul, as the new Coordinator of WITS, in the presence of management, staff, and security officials. He lauded Engr. AbdulGaniyu for his service, noting: “Sanni, you have done a good job—that’s why I say you no go comot for this town.”
In his remarks, Dr. Opeifa praised the staff for their appearance and discipline, saying: “I have never seen a set of railway workers this beautiful. See all of them, well dressed, beautiful.”
He further disclosed that WITS operations will resume next week, stating: “We are going to resume next week. I don’t know whether it’s Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday—but it’s between Monday and Friday.”
To round off his visit, the NRC MD embarked on a test run to Abraka Station, where he joined the locomotive driver in conducting readiness checks and track inspection.
Reassuring the staff of open communication, Dr. Opeifa urged them to channel challenges through their principal officers for his attention, promising a management style anchored on accessibility, welfare, and accountability.
