Pensioners: I’ll work at ensuring prompt payment of your benefits, Opeifa

By Michael Peters

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reassured railway pensioners that issues concerning all outstanding pensions are already being addressed and urged them to remain calm, adding that concrete steps are being taken to resolve all their concerns.

The NRC boss made this known during his working visit to the Corporation’s Northern District Headquarters, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The visit was part of the Managing Director’s ongoing nationwide assessment tour of operational facilities and infrastructure in the Northern district of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

While at Zaria, Opeifa met with the management and staff of the district, inspected key installations, and reviewed ongoing and upcoming projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

He also met with the staff and the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Railwaymen (NUR) and the Senior Staff Association (SSA), pilot drivers on training, and the pensioners.

He said: “We understand the importance of pension to our retired personnel, and I want to assure you that everything necessary is being done to ensure that no pensioner is owed.

“I will do all within my power to ensure that you receive what is rightfully yours.”

During the visit, Opeifa also toured key support facilities including the NRC Training School, the District Clinic, the Central Workshop, and the Permanent Ways Hotel.

He commended the efforts of the staff managing these facilities, but emphasized the urgent need for upgrades and modernisation to improve service delivery, staff welfare, and capacity building.

“To truly transform the Nigerian Railway system, we must also invest in our people, their health, their training, and the infrastructure that supports them,” he remarked.

In a show of gratitude and support, the Northern Region District Manager (RDM), Engr. Adedeji Adewale Rasheed, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to the renewed hope reforms of President Bola Tinubu for the corporation.

“We are honoured by your presence, sir, and I assure you that the Northern District will always be ready to receive you at any time,” Rasheed stated.

“The Iron Men of this district stand firmly behind you and will give you their full support to ensure that your objectives in transforming the railway system are fully achieved.”

Opeifa emphasised the importance of the Northern District to the national railway network, particularly in enhancing connectivity between key cities, boosting trade and agricultural logistics, and supporting economic development across the northern region.

“We are committed to revitalising the railway system across the country, and Zaria remains a critical hub in this transformation,” he added. “Our focus is on efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability, ensuring that the NRC meets the demands of a modern transport system.”

The Managing Director was warmly received by other senior officials, who briefed him on current operations, challenges, and areas of opportunity.

Opeifa assured the team of continued support and strategic interventions aimed at improving service delivery and expanding rail infrastructure.

This visit underscores the NRC’s dedication to closer engagement with its regional offices and stakeholders, reaffirming its mission to deliver reliable and world-class rail transport services for Nigeria.