In a move to revitalize Nigeria’s railway sector, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the Substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Opeifa, a seasoned transportation expert and former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, takes over from Ben Iloanusi, who had been acting in the position since the exit of Fidet Okhiria on October 18, 2024.
His Impacts
Opeifa’s appointment is seen as a strategic move, given his extensive experience in transportation reform in Nigeria. His previous roles include serving as Special Adviser on Transportation to the Babatunde Fashola administration, Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Task Team (PTT) to free Apapa gridlock, and Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These positions have equipped him with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s transportation challenges and the expertise to develop innovative solutions.
As Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Opeifa played a crucial role in implementing the state’s transportation reform agenda. His efforts led to significant improvements in the state’s transportation infrastructure, including developing the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and expanding the Lagos ferry services. These initiatives have had a lasting impact on Lagos State, reducing traffic congestion and providing residents with safer, more efficient transportation options.
While Opeifa is generally regarded as pragmatic and hardworking, some colleagues have described him as erratic, citing his tendency to overshadow others during his time as Special Adviser on Transportation. However, his supporters have argued that this trait is a testament to his passion and commitment to his work ethic. They have made it known that his strong personality and leadership style will serve him well in his new role as Managing Director of NRC.
What To Expect
As the new helmsman of NRC, Opeifa will be tasked to grow and develop Nigeria’s railway sector. This appears a daunting task, given the sector’s history of underinvestment and neglect, however, with Opeifa on top, many are optimistic that NRC will experience a significant turnaround.
Opeifa’s priority will be to complete ongoing railway projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna railway lines. He will also focus on developing new railway infrastructure, including the proposed Lagos-Calabar and Kano-Maradi railway lines. Additionally, he will work to improve the efficiency and safety of NRC’s operations, leveraging technology and international best practices to drive innovation.
The appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa as NRC Managing Director is a welcome development for Nigeria’s railway sector. With his expertise, experience, and passion for transportation reform, Opeifa is well-equipped to drive the growth and development of NRC. As he settles into his new role, many Nigerians will keenly watch how he will revolutionize Nigeria’s railway sector in the shortest possible time.
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