The appointment of Dr Kayode Opeifa as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) may signal the beginning of the much-needed reactivation of the modernisation of the rail system.
Stakeholders in the transportation sector believe the former Transport Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would bring the necessary reforms to the railway sector.
Opeifa, a renowned transportation expert, and former Lagos state commissioner for transportation, is said to have been given the role based on his expertise in the transportation sector.
As a commissioner, Opeifa introduced policies that significantly improved public transport and traffic management in Lagos and helped to ease congestion, laying a strong foundation for Lagos State’s rapid urban development.
A native of Agege, Lagos, Opeifa’s appointment has been hailed as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to the transportation sector.
Critical industry players in the transportation sector expressed confidence in his ability to revitalize the nation’s railway system, given his extensive expertise and track record of success.
Opeifa gained prominence during his tenure as Lagos state commissioner for Transportation, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives that modernised the city’s transport sector.
His policies and innovations not only improved traffic management but also established Lagos as a benchmark for urban transportation systems in Africa.
Building on his success in Lagos, Opeifa was later appointed as Transport Secretary for the FCT by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership capacity and competence, ensuring efficient transportation systems in the nation’s capital.
With a profound understanding of transportation systems, particularly railways, Opeifa is expected to bring a new vision to the NRC.
His leadership is anticipated to drive the development of a more efficient, interconnected railway system that will boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.
Opeifa was drafted by the Buhari administration to tackle the monstrous and famed Apapa gridlock which was then ravaging the Apapa ports corridor.
He was appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Task Team (PTT) by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who chaired the Task Team which was then charged with unbundling the ravaging traffic gridlock at the ports.
Although there have been feelers from the Presidency since late last year that Opeifa, a close confidant and loyalist of President Bola Tinubu, would clinch the position with a mandate to midwife reform of the railway cooperation.
President Tinubu is reported to have resolved to indeed unbundle the old corporation into three separate companies, a task the Presidency believes cannot be handled by the former Managing Director, Fidelis Okhiria.
On his Facebook page, Opeifa appreciated the president for the opportunity to serve while receiving the letter of appointment from the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali.
A statement said Opeifa’s appointment marks a significant step toward improving the country’s transportation infrastructure.
According to the government, given his extensive experience in transportation planning and his previous role as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he is well-positioned to drive essential reforms that will enhance mobility, support trade, and contribute to national development.
The government said the move comes at a critical time as Nigeria seeks to bolster its economic growth through improved transportation systems.
It noted that Opeifa’s proven track record in addressing transportation challenges has earned him widespread praise.
Meanwhile, transportation industry experts have begun to set an agenda for the newly appointed MD, stressing the need to tackle ticket racketeering on the Abuja-Kaduna railway.
The corridor, over the years, has been notorious for ticket racketeering, despite the introduction of electronic ticketing, staffers of the Corporation have been accused of smuggling passengers into the train and pocketing the proceeds.
There is also the need to pay close attention to the Warri-Itakpe train station, given the heightened corruption in the axis.
Professor of Transport and Logistics, School of Transport, Lagos State University (LASU), Samuel Odewumi, described his appointment as a round peg in a round hole.
He said he fits perfectly well, knowledgeable in transport matters, diligent, energetic, and irredeemably nationalistic.
“He will plunge into the assignment like a dynamo, and the Nigerian Railway will never be the same again. He had earlier served on the Board of the Corporation,” he stated.
Odewumi said he is experienced, having served as SA Transport and Commissioner of Transport in Lagos State.
He added: “Lagosians are yet to see another Opeifa. He was always on the roads day and night. Even as SA Transport in Lagos State, he was the real deal in the reform of the transport sector.”
He said Opeifa served as Vice-Chairman to VP Prof Osinajo of the Presidential Committee to clear Apapa Gridlock, where he distinguished himself.
Odewumi noted that Opeifa has profound emotional intelligence such that he could deal with the most recalcitrant ‘agbero’ or area boy, and he could rise to wear out a Professor of Transport in an intellectual debate.
He disclosed that this trait stemmed from his early career as an academic, a union leader in ASUU, an activist in the democracy movement, and a grassroots political mobiliser, adding that Opeifa is a regular face and eloquent and erudite voice on TV, Radio, and print media on transport and mobility issues.
