President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Kayode Opeifa, as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Opeifa, the former Vice – Chairman, Presidential Task Team (PPT) of the then Apapa Traffic Gridlock, was until his latest appointment a member of the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
He took over from Ben Iloanusi who has been the acting Managing Director replacing the former Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, who exited on October 18, 2024 after completing his second tenure in office.
The new MD, NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, was the former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation and a renowned transport management expert.
A native of Agege, Lagos, Dr. Opeifa’s appointment has been hailed as a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the transportation sector, noting that his appointment would revitalize the nation’s railway system, given his extensive expertise and track record of success.
Dr. Opeifa gained prominence during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives that modernized the city’s transport sector.
His policies and innovations not only improved traffic management but also established Lagos as a benchmark for urban transportation systems.
Building on his success in Lagos, Dr. Opeifa was later appointed as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership capacity and competence, ensuring efficient transportation systems in the nation’s capital.
Opeifa is expected to bring a new vision to the NRC. His appointment is anticipated to drive the development of a more efficient, interconnected railway system that will boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.
Opeifa was also drafted by Buhari administration to come and tackle the monstrous and famed Apapa Gridlock which was then ravaging the Apapa Ports corridor.
He was appointed as the Vice-Chairman, Presidential Task Team (PTT) by the former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who chaired the Task Team then charged with unbundling the ravaging traffic gridlock at the Lagos Ports.
Opeifa who is an expert in logistics and transport planning is expected to drive the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the transportation sector and its vision to develop new lines and ensure that all state capitals are connected by rail.
