Opeifa : “The Railway Man”

Dr. Kayode Opeifa’s illustrious career as a Nigerian transportation expert, public administrator, and academician spans several decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s transportation sector.

His expertise and leadership have earned him national recognition, culminating in his recent appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024.

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Born in Agege, Opeifa has demonstrated remarkable potential and capabilities, particularly in his role as a member of the Lagos State University (LASU) Senate at the young age of 29.

Despite contesting for a seat in the National Assembly in the past, he never made it to the ballot and his true potential was not fully recognized until he was appointed as Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State in 2007.

In this role, Opeifa had the opportunity to display his prowess in transportation management, which eventually led to his appointment as the NRC Managing Director.

Opeifa’s impressive capabilities caught the attention of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, who is known for his charismatic and effective leadership.

Fashola’s decision to appoint Opeifa as a substantive commissioner without lobbying demonstrates his faith in Opeifa’s potential.

During his tenure in Lagos, Opeifa implemented numerous policies and innovations that significantly improved traffic management and established the state as a benchmark for urban transportation systems across Africa.

His success in Lagos led to his subsequent appointment as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

As Transport Secretary, Dr. Opeifa showcased his competence and leadership skills by ensuring efficient transportation systems in Nigeria’s capital.

In 2019, Dr. Kayode Opeifa served as the Vice Chairman and Team Leader of the Presidential Task Team (PTT) on Apapa Port Congestion.

Tasked with addressing the debilitating traffic gridlock in the Apapa port area, Opeifa’s leadership and strategic interventions significantly improved logistics and mobility in Lagos’ busiest commercial hub.

His efforts in resolving the Apapa gridlock showcased his expertise in transportation management and problem-solving abilities, earning him recognition and accolades from both the public and private sectors.

59-years-old Opeifa brings a wealth of experience to the rail sector. During the handover event held on Thursday, he outlined his priorities for the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), which include:

• Enhanced security of lives and properties
• Modernisation and expansion of railway infrastructure
• Staff welfare improvement
• Creation of new jobs and acquisition of necessary skills
• Increasing the railway sector’s contribution to the Gross
• Domestic Product (GDP)
• Enhanced Private Sector Participation
• Improve on the commercial aspect
• Collaboration for Service Delivery
• Staff Welfare
• Union Relations
• Increase in Connectivity
• Capacity Building
• Collaboration through deepened relationship etc.

As congratulations pour in from various individuals and groups, including traditional leaders, student unions, politicians, and technocrats, expectations are high for the revitalization of the railway sector under the leadership of the newly appointed Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa

With his extensive experience in the transportation sector and a history of successful tenures in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, many are confident that Opeifa possesses the necessary qualifications and expertise to excel in his new role.

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As Opeifa begins his tenure, the hope is that he will work closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to develop frameworks and mechanisms that will improve Nigeria’s railway transportation system, ultimately driving progress and growth within the sector.

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