High diesel cost affecting train operations ― NRC

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says the cost of diesel has been affecting train operations in the country.

The NRC, however, said it will continue to prioritise the welfare of its workforce and make their work environment safer and friendlier.

The NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, made this known during a town hall meeting of the corporation in Lagos on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Opeifa said: “Let me assure you that the corporation will continue to prioritise your welfare, but you must appreciate our precarious financial position.

“The fact is that the cost of diesel alone has almost made it impossible to operate our trains.

“We are running at a loss and we had to resort to borrowings to keep our operations.”

Opeifa said efforts of the workers had continued to sustain the operations of the NRC, adding that the corporation will not hesitate to improve the welfare of its workers as soon as its financial situation improves.

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He assured that the NRC management would continue to work with the workers’ unions on all grey areas, saying that, under his administration, workers would not need to go on strike to resolve any conflict.

He directed the Human Resources Department of NRC to address all areas of concerns with the workforce.

Opeifa said the NRC would soon begin to work on deployment of a speed train from Lagos to Abuja as part of expansion.

“This requires more spaces not only for construction of the corridor but also for more modern quarters for essential workers.

Opeifa also disclosed that there were plans to construct a befitting headquarters of the NRC at the Murtala Muhammed Way, Ebute-Meta, Lagos State.