The Nigerian Railway Corporation has said it will continue to prioritise staff welfare. It said high diesel cost has put pressure on its finances and made train operation difficult.

Nigerian Railway Corporation Diesel Cost Warning
The Nigerian Railway Corporation

Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the corporation, gave the assurance at a town hall meeting. The statement was issued on Friday in Lagos, as reported by PUNCH⁠.

Speaking to NRC workers, Opeifa said:

“Let me assure you that the corporation will continue to prioritise your welfare, but you must appreciate our precarious financial position.”

“The fact is that the cost of diesel alone has almost made it impossible to operate our trains.”

“We are running at a loss, and we had to resort to borrowings to keep our operations,”

Nigerian Railway Corporation Addresses Workers’ Welfare

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that members of the corporation’s two labour groups attended the meeting. They are the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers and the Senior Staff Workers Union.

Opeifa said employees’ efforts had continued to support NRC operations. Also, he said management would improve workers’ welfare as soon as the corporation’s financial position allows it.

He assured the unions that NRC management would keep working with them on unresolved issues. Under his administration, he said, workers would not need to go on strike to settle any conflict. In addition, he directed the NRC Human Resources Department to address all concerns raised by the workforce.

Lagos to Abuja High-Speed Train Plans

Opeifa further said the corporation would soon begin deploying a high-speed train from Lagos to Abuja. The plan is part of its expansion. At the same time, he said the move would require more space. That includes space for construction of the corridor and modern quarters for essential workers, according to PM News Nigeria⁠.

Separately, the NRC managing director said there were plans to build a befitting headquarters for the corporation. The site is on Murtala Muhammed Way in Ebute-Meta, Lagos State.

Earlier, Mr Innocent Ajiji, President of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers, praised Opeifa for reforming the corporation. Mr Marcel Okeke, his counterpart from the Senior Staff Workers Union, also praised the NRC managing director.

Both union leaders urged NRC management to expedite action on the payment of the 95 per cent enhancement benefit to railway workers.

The event ended with certificates of excellence and the NRC Managing Director’s Cash Award. They were presented to 13 employees recognised for exceptional contributions to the corporation’s development in 2025.