The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria has conferred a prestigious Fellowship award on Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), during a courtesy visit to the corporation’s headquarters.
The CILT team, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro, used the occasion to advocate deeper collaboration between the Institute and the NRC, describing the railway corporation as “a major player and the backbone of Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector.”
Usoro, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), noted that the over 100-year-old UK-chartered institute operates in more than 133 countries with unified global standards.
“The structure of CILT ensures that the same international standards are applied across all member countries. We carry out global audit of our curriculum content in order to ensure that we uphold sound professionalism and quality befitting the sector,” she said.
She added that CILT certifications have enabled members to access both job and academic opportunities abroad. According to her, the institute is ready to partner with NRC in upskilling its workforce, having played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s National Transport Policy.
Responding, Dr. Opeifa expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed NRC’s commitment to professionalism.
“We recognise the value of CILT and the role it plays in strengthening logistics and transportation. As a major player in the rail sector, we must ensure that professionals with requisite training in the sector begin to manage our mobility systems,” he said.
Dr. Opeifa also praised NRC’s pool of capable local engineers and professionals.
“Our civil engineers can lay tracks anywhere, and our mechanical engineers are fully capable of handling any engines and repurposing equipment for the benefit of Nigerians,” he stated.
He highlighted an ongoing initiative, Railing with the States, through which state governments with rail assets are encouraged to invest in revitalising legacy train systems. Several states have already signalled interest in partnering with the NRC.
On freight operations, Opeifa announced that three cargo lines have been reactivated to connect Apapa Ports to Ibadan, with ongoing plans to extend services to Ilorin and beyond.
“Presently, as facilitator of trade, we have brought new life into cargo movement, in what we have termed freight revolution, as it is now common to see simultaneous cargo movements on both sides—the narrow and standard gauges,” he revealed.
For passenger services, the NRC MD said efforts are underway to enhance the customer experience by refurbishing coaches, particularly on the narrow gauge, to change public perception and promote rail as a viable transport mode.
Dr. Opeifa also extended a unique invitation to the CILT: “We invite you to make use of our conference coach for your next board meeting. You could charter it and hold your meetings on the train, giving your board members an unforgettable view of the beautiful countryside between Lagos to Abeokuta, or to Ibadan. It would be another unique experience for members of your board.”
The NRC management team at the meeting included directors from corporate planning, administration, legal, and civil engineering, while CILT was represented by top-ranking fellows and industry experts.
