Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, says affordable and efficient rail transportation is one of the fastest ways to reduce poverty, boost productivity, and ease inflation, insisting that any review of train fares will require government approval.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Opeifa warned that many workers are trapped in what he described as “transportation poverty,” explaining that commuters who spend between 20 and 50 percent of their income on transportation are left with less money for food, healthcare, education, and other basic needs.
“Mobility determines productivity,” he said, noting that high transport costs raise business expenses, increase the prices of goods and services, and ultimately fuel inflation.
He argued that transportation should be treated as a social and economic service rather than a profit-driven venture, adding that affordable public transport is one of the quickest ways government can improve citizens’ disposable income and overall standard of living.
The NRC boss said the corporation is pursuing an integrated transport system linking rail with buses, taxis, waterways, and feeder roads, while seeking partnerships with institutions such as the European Union, AfDB, Afreximbank, and IFC to finance rail expansion.
Addressing the recent Warri-Itakpe train incident, Opeifa said preliminary findings indicate the problem was not caused by track failure, adding that an independent investigation is ongoing and the corporation will make its findings public.
He also reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to safety, infrastructure rehabilitation, green rail technology, and stronger security measures to curb vandalism as part of efforts to modernize Nigeria’s railway network.
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