Barely ten days after the Kaduna–Abuja train derailment that left 20 passengers injured, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a sweeping management shake-up across its operational districts.
In a circular signed by the Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and released on Thursday, the NRC confirmed that the restructuring, effective September 1, 2025, involves redeployments, fresh appointments, and the creation of new offices.
The new offices include a Business Process, Efficiency and Due Diligence Desk, a Customer Service Desk, and a Statistician Office, all aimed at tightening internal processes and improving passenger experience.
Some of the notable changes include the redeployment of Ibadan’s former Western District Manager, Nneka Ikwuka, now serving as Coordinator of Freight Services, Lagos–Kano; and the appointment of Naomi Itajobi, a former Assistant Director of Procurement, as the new Western RDM.
In Minna, Suleiman Obafunsho, former RDM of the North-West District, has been moved to NRC Headquarters as Project Coordinator for the Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Rehabilitation, while Ilesanmi Ayokunle takes over his former position.
Other appointments saw Victor Adanu moved from Enugu to NRC Headquarters, replaced by Agwonye Ejike; while in Lagos, Rasheed Adedeji becomes RDM, succeeding Augustine Arisa, who has been redeployed to head Locomotive Services and Maintenance.
The Warri–Itakpe corridor also witnessed changes, with Abdulganiyu Sani redeployed as Freight Services Coordinator, while Wyep Najul now leads Standard Gauge services in the corridor.
Additional assignments went to Oyekunle Oyewole as head of BUPED, Rita Onyiagha as Corporate Head of Customer Services Desk, Dauda Akinola as Statistician, and others.
Although the reshuffle comes shortly after the Kaduna–Abuja accident, NRC management has not confirmed if the changes were triggered by the incident.
