Dr. Kayode Opeifa has been appointed substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), marking a pivotal turn in the nation’s bid to revitalize its railway infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. His appointment on January 22, 2025, signals a renewed commitment to transforming the sector into a modern, efficient transportation network.
A seasoned transportation expert, Dr. Opeifa first made his mark as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation under Governor Babatunde Fashola. There, he introduced impactful reforms that significantly enhanced public transport and traffic management, easing congestion in one of Africa’s busiest cities . His leadership extended beyond Lagos when he served as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory and later as Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Task Team on Apapa gridlock, collaborating with former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to tackle chronic congestion at Nigeria’s ports.
Dr. Opeifa brings not only administrative acumen but also academic depth to the role. A PhD holder with a foundational degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, he transitioned from academia—including a tenure as a university lecturer and Senate member at Lagos State University—to public service. His scholarly and administrative background uniquely positions him to lead the NRC’s transformation.
His appointment follows a period of interim leadership. After the completion of Engr. Fidet Okhiria’s two terms—spanning from 2016 to October 2024—Ben Iloanusi, a long-serving director of procurement, was appointed Acting Managing Director. Iloanusi, who holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an MBA in International Management from London’s South Bank University, stepped into the role and called for staff unity and constructive feedback to drive the corporation forward.
Stakeholders in the transportation sector have expressed optimism about Dr. Opeifa’s leadership. His reputation for bringing reform, strategic planning, and operational excellence in complex urban environments makes him a strong candidate to revitalize NRC operations, enhance service delivery, and spearhead modernization efforts.
As he steps into this transformative role, Dr. Opeifa assumes leadership at a critical juncture. With the Nigerian government investing in railway infrastructure—from securing funding for cross-border rail links to enhancing national connectivity—the NRC stands on the cusp of long-overdue reforms and expansion
