The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed plans to restore commercial train services along the Lagos–Kano narrow gauge corridor, with operations expected to reach Offa before the end of 2025. Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, gave the assurance during a meeting with the Lagos State chapter of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU), led by Dr. Waheed Olagunju. He noted that earlier resumption was delayed by washouts along the rail line but assured that engineering teams are working round the clock to repair damaged tracks and extend service through Ilorin, Mokwa, Kaduna and eventually Kano.
Opeifa praised the people of Offa for their commitment to safeguarding railway assets, describing their support as exemplary. He also promised that the NRC would revive the town’s historic Railway Recreation Club as part of broader efforts to deepen community engagement. Highlighting Offa’s historical role in Nigeria’s railway heritage, Opeifa said the town would be prioritized under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He further cited new partnerships with institutions like the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, to develop skilled manpower for the railway sector.
In a separate meeting, Opeifa commended members of Women In Logistics And Transport (WILAT) for their professionalism and contribution to the industry. He encouraged the group to explore investment opportunities in passenger and freight services under the newly amended NRC Act, which allows for increased private sector participation. According to him, investors can now supply rolling stock and operate under NRC’s Track Access License framework, similar to existing models like the Lagos Red Line project and cargo operations with CCECC Nigeria Limited.
WILAT Chairperson, Khadijat Shabi, congratulated Opeifa on his leadership and invited him to the group’s annual event scheduled for July 31 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. She emphasized that WILAT, active in 28 countries since its founding in 2010, remains committed to ensuring that women play a leading role in logistics and multimodal transport development across Africa and beyond.
