Abuja-Kaduna Rail Trip: NIPR Delegates Laud Service Reforms, Urge Sustained Sector Investment

A delegation of public relations professionals has called on the Federal Government to deepen investment in railway infrastructure, following a well-coordinated train journey that showcased ongoing improvements in the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Hundreds of members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) travelled from Abuja to Kaduna aboard the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) as part of the Institute’s Annual Public Relations Week. The train operated at full capacity, with delegates using the transit time for professional engagement and networking.

The journey was deliberately chosen to demonstrate confidence in the NRC’s reform trajectory and to rally support for the repositioning of rail transport as a cornerstone of national mobility, participants said.

Delegates from state chapters across the country converged on Abuja before proceeding together to Kaduna by rail, returning to the capital after the week-long programme. Many described the trip as smooth and well-coordinated, noting improvements in onboard service delivery and commending the professionalism and responsiveness of NRC personnel.

While acknowledging the progress, the delegates stressed that rail transportation demands significant and sustained capital—particularly in infrastructure maintenance and rolling stock acquisition, and argued that the long-term economic and social returns more than justify the expenditure.

Among the passengers was the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha in Osun State, Oba Dr Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, who praised the leadership of NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, describing the appointment as a driving force behind recent efficiency gains at the corporation.

Other notable travellers included the President of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Chief Tony Akiotu; Dr Mohammed Kudu Abubakar, former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority and Chairman of the Planning Committee for the forthcoming World Public Relations Conference; and several NIPR state chairmen.

Speaking during the trip, Lagos State NIPR Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, explained that the Institute’s leadership consciously encouraged members to travel together by rail as a show of support for the sector. “It was a move to reinforce confidence in rail transport as a national asset that is steadily regaining relevance in Nigeria’s mobility framework,” he said.

The NRC was represented at the conference by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, alongside the Special Assistant to the Managing Director on Media and Communication, Mr Yinka Aderigbigbe.

The NIPR Annual General Meeting, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Murtala Square, Kaduna, focused on emerging trends and innovations in public relations practice.

For many of the delegates, the rail journey itself became a highlight of the week, reflecting the growing acceptance of rail transport and strengthening the call for continued investment to expand the sector’s role in national development.