NRC launches Iddo turnaround, vows no legitimate traders will suffer

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has assured traders operating around the Iddo Train Terminus in Lagos that no legitimately acquired land or business space will be taken from them as the corporation begins a major transformation of the historic station.

Opeifa gave the assurance during a meeting with leaders of the Iddo Train Terminus Traders, Ijora Olopa/Ajeloro Fish Traders, Ifelodun Traders and Otto Traders at the NRC headquarters on Friday.

The engagement follows concerns that the planned facelift could displace long-standing market operators.

He told the representatives that the ongoing overhaul was aimed at restoring Iddo to its proper standard and improving the environment for commercial activities.

“We are determined to transform Iddo Train Station. You can see that we have already started repainting the terminus, and let me assure you that we are bringing back the trains to serve our people,” he said.

While acknowledging that some makeshift structures may be affected, Opeifa noted that many traders have been operating for years without valid documentation, with some paying rent to unauthorised individuals.

“No one will lose land legitimately acquired from Nigerian Railway property,” he stressed, adding that “But it is regrettable that people have built on railway tracks without any approval from the corporation.”

The NRC boss outlined an ambitious plan to modernise Iddo, describing the terminus as currently dirty and lacking essential amenities.

“There is no electricity and no toilet facilities. We are working very hard to bring these back,” he said.

He added that a dedicated business unit had been created for Iddo because of the priority placed on restoring the terminal.

The corporation, he said, would also intensify efforts to remove drug traffickers and criminal hideouts from all its properties in the area.

“As far as we are concerned, the time that rightful tenants of our property would benefit from Iddo has finally come. We would leave no stone unturned in achieving a total transformation,” Opeifa stated.

He also assured that rents on NRC property will not be increased, but emphasised the need for proper records of all tenants. Under a new directive, all payments will now be made directly to the Nigerian Railway Property Management Company Limited (NRPML).

Leaders of the various market groups praised the NRC’s decision to meet with them, noting that it was the first time they had held such direct discussions with a managing director of the corporation.

Alhaji Rashid Bashorun Ajibola, Chairman of the Iddo Railway Terminal Traders, said the meeting eased longstanding fears of forced eviction.

“This market has provided food for our families for decades. We are happy because we are relating with someone who shares our feelings,” he said.

He added that Iddo Market remains a major distribution centre, particularly for rice, supplying markets nationwide.

Chairman of the Ijora Olopa Ajeloro Fish Market, Mr. Aina Adekoya, said traders were relieved to learn that NRC’s priority was not to take over their market but to upgrade the entire Iddo precinct.

“For many of us, this is our first meeting with Dr. Opeifa, and we are glad he has not changed from the man we knew when he served as Lagos State’s Commissioner for Transportation. He knows the value of traders,” he said.

The traders pledged to return to their various unions and mobilise full support for the NRC’s transformation agenda.