The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that its south-west section is ready to commence cargo train movement on the narrow gauge route between Lagos and Kano states.
Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of NRC, made this announcement on Tuesday during an inspection of the Moniya freight park at the Dugbe Ibadan narrow gauge train station in Oyo state.
Opeifa stated that the management is committed to resuming cargo operations between Lagos and Kano. He expressed satisfaction with the corporation’s preparedness for freight operations, noting that they can comfortably handle cargo for customers.
During his inspection, Opeifa urged railway workers to intensify efforts to boost the corporation’s internally generated revenue (IGRl).
He promised that improved revenue would lead to better staff allowances and pledged to enhance pensioners’ welfare.
Opeifa also directed the acquisition of additional land around the proposed dry port site at Omi Adio to provide for anticipated business.
He visited the Obafemi Awolowo train station, Moniya, and Moniya cargo park to assess their preparedness for handling cargo operations.
Regarding vandalism, Opeifa stressed that there are no scrap materials within the NRC and directed security operatives to arrest and prosecute anyone caught vandalizing their property.
In a related development, Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), expressed readiness to collaborate with the NRC to reactivate narrow gauge rail services within the southwest region for mass transportation.