Train Derailment Sparks NRC Management Shake-Up

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a sweeping reorganization of its management structure, barely 10 days after a train derailment on the Kaduna-Abuja route injured 20 people.

NRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the changes in an internal memo, stressing that the shake-up was part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency, accountability, and customer satisfaction.

The reorganization introduces three new strategic offices within the NRC, including the Business Process, Efficiency and Due Diligence Desk, the Customer Service Desk, and the Corporation’s Statistician Office.

These new offices are expected to improve operational oversight, deepen customer engagement, and provide data-driven support for decision-making in railway management.

Several district managers and senior officers have been redeployed or retained in the new structure.

Augustine Arisa has been reassigned as Coordinator, Locomotive Services and Maintenance, while Rasheed Adewale Adedeji takes over as RDM, Lagos District.

Aliyu Mainasara has been appointed as RDM for Zaria, and Naomi Itajobi has been named RDM for the Western District.

The NRC has also established an Incident Desk to handle enquiries and provide regular updates on the derailed Abuja-Kaduna Train Service.

The corporation has pledged full support to those affected, stressing that it takes full responsibility for the incident.

With the reorganization, the NRC aims to restore public confidence in its operations and improve service delivery across its corridors.

As the NRC embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the reforms bring tangible improvements to service delivery and safety standards.

Will this shake-up mark a turning point for Nigerian Railways, or is it just another cosmetic exercise? Only time will tell.