Intensify Railway Reforms, Prioritise Safety, Efficiency, Alkali Directs NRC
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, has directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to scale up reforms across the nation’s rail network to enhance safety, efficiency and overall service delivery.
This was contained in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Umar Jibril on Tuesday.
TheFact Daily notes that the minister’s directive followed recent public feedback pointing to challenges in rail operations, including safety concerns and service disruptions.
Over the past weeks, passengers have voiced their experiences through media reports and community forums, drawing attention to the need for operational improvements.
However, the senator acknowledged the concerns raised and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for what he described as constructive contributions to strengthening the nation’s rail sector.
“These concerns have given a clear, insightful and deeply valuable perspective on the safety, reliability and growth of Nigeria’s rail system,” the minister said.
He noted that decisive actions have already been taken to address the issues raised. These include a comprehensive review of rail operations and safety protocols; strengthened monitoring and accountability measures for management and frontline workers; and improved public feedback channels to enhance transparency and keep citizens regularly informed.
Alkali reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering a railway system that meets global standards, stressing that passenger safety remains a top priority.
He commended the media for responsibly highlighting the issues and amplifying citizen concerns, describing their role in promoting accountability as indispensable.
Alkali also thanked passengers for their patience and constructive criticism, noting that public vigilance plays a critical role in driving needed reforms.
The minister further praised frontline railway staff for their “daily commitment” to maintaining operations, assuring them of the government’s continued support.
Senator Alkali reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen transparency, collaboration and continuous improvement across the rail sector, insisting that ongoing reforms will ultimately deliver a safer and more efficient railway system for Nigerians.
