The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring commercial train services on the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge corridor, reaching Offa before the end of 2025.
The Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, gave this assurance while receiving members of Lagos State chapter of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) led by Dr. Waheed Olagunju who paid him a courtesy visit to congratulate him on his appointment.
Dr. Opeifa explained that although the Western narrow gauge line would have resumed operations earlier, washout along the corridor delayed the process.
He assured that NRC engineers are working round the clock to repair damaged tracks with service reactivation expected to reach Offa, Ilorin, Mokwa, Kaduna and ultimately Kano.
The NRC applauded the people of Offa for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding railway assets describing their efforts as exemplary.
He further assured that under his leadership , NRC would not only reactivate the Offa railway line but also revive the Railway Recreation Club, boosting community activities in the town.
Reiterating the importance of Offa in Nigeria’s railway history, Dr. Opeifa promised that the town would be prioritized under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted NRC’s recent partnerships with five higher institutions including the Federal Polytechnic, Offa to leverage mutual manpower development, underscoring the corporation’s dedication to developing skilled railway professionals.
The NRC boss also revealed that the Corporation is aggressively optimising Nigeria’s railway assets by collaborating with state governments under its “Railing with the states” by reactivating and putting to use its narrow gauge lines, bringing train services closer to the people.
Earlier, Dr. Olagunju commended Dr. Opeifa for transforming the NRC since his appointment noting that the Offa community with the blessing of their traditional ruler looks forward to the return of train operations, a service enjoyed for over 113 years.
Reporting by Victor Okiche