The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed its commitment to making rail transport the preferred mobility option in the country, stating that the corporation is focused on improving passenger experience by increasing the number of coaches and enhancing train frequency.
Opeifa hosted reggae artist John Odafe Asimoh, popularly known as Daddy Showkey, who entertained passengers aboard the Warri-Itakpe Train Service during a brief fuelling delay.
According to the statement by NRC on their official X account, Opeifa emphasised the corporation’s focus on providing more passenger coaches and waggons to enhance convenience, safety, and affordability for Nigerians. He commended Daddy Showkey for turning a challenging situation into a positive experience for passengers.
According to the statement, “NRC is working at making rail a preferred transport alternative. Pledges increased coaches and waggon movement frequency.
“The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, has said the corporation is determined to make the trains the preferred mobility alternative across the country.
“He listed the provision of passenger coaches and waggons as a top priority of the management in its determination to provide a convenient mobility alternative that is affordable, safe, and secure to Nigerians.
“The MD thanked Daddy Showkey for converting an issue into an opportunity, assuring that the management is doing all it can towards ensuring hitch-free train operations that would attract Nigerians’ patronage.”
He also urged passengers to make use of the corporation’s customer care portal to provide feedback that could help improve service delivery.
“It is gratifying that celebrities such as Daddy Showkey find time to take a ride in our train,” Dr. Opeifa added, appreciating Nigerians for their continued support of rail services.
Responding, Daddy Showkey expressed confidence in the leadership of Opeifa, stating that his appointment as MD was a step in the right direction by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I have confidence in Dr. Kayode Opeifa’s competence in driving positive change in the railway corporation, judging from his track records as the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State,” Daddy Showkey said.
Reflecting on his experience travelling from Warri, he described the route as highly lucrative, with passengers eager for more frequent train services to accommodate increased demand, including the transportation of farm produce.
Despite the challenges, he noted, “It is thrilling to travel by rail.”