President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Kayode Opeifa as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).
The appointment, confirmed by sources within the presidency and Mahmood Yakub, Deputy Director of Public Relations at the NRC, comes as a key move to strengthen the leadership of the corporation. However, an official statement from the presidency is still awaited.
Opeifa’s new role follows the tenure of Ben Iloanusi, who served as Acting Managing Director after Fidet Okhiria’s term ended.
A seasoned transport expert, Opeifa brings extensive experience to his position. He previously served as Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State during Babatunde Fashola’s administration from 2007 to 2015. His tenure was marked by significant improvements in transportation infrastructure and policy implementation in Lagos.
In 2019, Opeifa joined the NRC as a board member, following his appointment by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. In 2023, the former president also appointed him as the Managing Director of the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company Limited (AUMTCO), further showcasing his expertise in transportation management.
Opeifa’s career has spanned several notable roles. He served as Transport Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Task Team (PTT) by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The PTT was tasked with tackling the persistent traffic gridlock in Apapa, a role he executed with diligence.
His appointment as NRC Managing Director aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s railway system and enhancing the nation’s transportation infrastructure. Opeifa is expected to lead efforts to modernize the NRC, expand rail connectivity, and improve operational efficiency across the corporation.
The announcement of Opeifa’s appointment follows Tinubu’s recent approval of Zahrah Audu as the new Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), reflecting the president’s focus on appointing experienced professionals to critical positions.
Opeifa’s vast experience in transportation and his track record of success are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the railway sector, a critical component of Nigeria’s economic growth and development. Stakeholders and industry experts are optimistic about his leadership and its potential impact on the sector’s transformation.
Further details about the mandate and direction of the NRC under Opeifa’s leadership are anticipated in the coming weeks.
