Opeifa lauds strong ties between NRC, Abia and Enugu States

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has stated that the collaborative relationship between the Corporation, the Abia State Government and the Enugu State Government can only yield even greater positive results for the benefit of the people.

Dr. Opeifa described the two states as partners in progress during separate high-level meetings with the Abia and Enugu State Governments held in Umuahia and Enugu respectively on Thursday 30th April 2026.

At the meetings, the NRC Managing Director was represented by the Railway District Manager, Eastern District, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike. The Abia State Government delegation was led by the Director General of the Umuahia Capital Territory Development Authority (UCTDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh.

Dr. Opeifa strongly praised the Abia State Government for its crucial assistance in clearing the NRC’s right-of-way within Umuahia.

He firmly frowned at the attitude of those who erroneously believe the railway is defunct, thereby encroaching, trading, or erecting structures on NRC properties. He reiterated unequivocally that no one is permitted to build any structure on railway property without obtaining express approval from his office.

Appealing directly to the public, he urged for greater patience, stressing that the plans for the critical track extension from Aba, through Umuahia to Enugu and beyond, remain very much on course.

Responding on behalf of the Abia State Government, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh stated that the State Government is actively engaging all stakeholders by providing alternative, seamless locations for those currently conducting business on the railway right-of-way. He further revealed that the state government has already finalized plans to plant trees along the route, creating a leisurely and aesthetically conducive environment for relaxation, replacing previous commercial activities.

The high-powered team then embarked on an extensive inspection of: the alternative relocation site for displaced persons; the demolition site where iron barrier installation is progressing; the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal; the site for the new Umuahia Railway Station; and the route for the proposed link road passing through the existing railway station. The meeting also explored the provision of a temporary location for the Railway Police and the PTO, pending the construction of the new Umuahia Station, which is designed to include a police station and other NRC offices.

The same impactful message was delivered to Enugu State, where the Commissioner of Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozoh (representing the State Government), equally assured the NRC MD of the Enugu State Government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Corporation to achieve its aims and objectives.

Describing Dr. Opeifa as a personal friend from their private sector days, Dr. Ozoh lauded him as a leader who “knows perfectly well what he is doing.” He further assured the NRC that the Enugu State Government will actively assist in demolishing any obstruction on the Corporation’s right-of-way, stressing that the state eagerly awaits the flag-off to recommence construction of the rail line from Aba to Enugu and beyond.

The Railway District Manager, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, was accompanied on both visits by: the District Public Relations Officer, Dr. Onyedikachi S. Onovo; the Umuahia Area Manager, RPMCL, Mrs. Patience Ifeanyi; and the PTO Track, Umuahia, Mr. James Apue.