NRC Insists Narrow-gauge Rail Lines Operational Despite Workers’ Concerns

Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has dismissed recent reports suggesting that its narrow-gauge rail lines are inactive, asserting that operations remain functional across various routes.

The deputy director of Public Relations of the corporation, Yakub Mahmood, the NRC clarified that services on the western and eastern narrow-gauge lines were ongoing.

“Trains are still running from Apapa and Ido to Ijoko daily as part of the Mass Transit Train Service (MTTS). We also freight containers from Apapa Port and transport cement from Ewekoro to Ibadan and Oshogbo,” Mahmood stated.

He further disclosed that the Port Harcourt to Aba mass transit train operates daily except on Mondays.
The corporation emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, including investments in both standard and narrow-gauge lines.

However, concerns persist among railway stakeholders over limited operations, aging infrastructure, and challenges such as locomotive shortages, vandalism of tracks, and insufficient rolling stock.
There are also calls for the immediate implementation of a 95 percent salary increment approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.

Workers expressed dissatisfaction over the non-payment of the increase and urged the new NRC managing director, Mr Kayode Opeifa, to prioritise resolving the issues.

Opeifa, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, recently assumed office as the substantive managing director of the NRC.

His appointment has sparked hopes for reforms and improvements in the corporation’s operations.

While the NRC management seeks to assure the public of the railway’s functionality, stakeholders emphasise the need for proactive leadership to address operational gaps and workers’ welfare concerns.