Tinubu appoints Kayode Opeifa as new NRC managing director

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Opeifa, a seasoned transportation expert, previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation under former Governor Babatunde Fashola, where he introduced transformative policies that modernized the city’s transport infrastructure. His tenure earned him widespread acclaim for improving traffic management and positioning Lagos as a model for urban transportation across Africa.

In addition to his contributions in Lagos, Opeifa played a pivotal role in addressing the notorious Apapa gridlock. He was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Task Team (PTT) on Apapa traffic management, working under the leadership of then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to ease congestion around the Lagos ports.

Opeifa’s appointment follows the tenure of Ben Iloanusi, who served as acting NRC Managing Director after the exit of Fidet Okhiria in October 2024. Okhiria completed two consecutive four-year terms before his departure.

With a proven track record of transportation reforms and urban mobility solutions, Opeifa’s leadership at NRC is expected to drive the modernization of Nigeria’s railway system and enhance its contribution to the nation’s economic development.