The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has warned vandals and trespassers to stay away from railway tracks as the country begins switching to electric rail lines.
Opeifa gave the warning during an interview on The Exchange Podcast with Femi Soneye.
He said the ongoing electrification of rail tracks is a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s rail system, but it also comes with serious safety risk
“Electric rail is safer, faster, and more environmentally friendly, but it comes with inherent risks for those who tamper with the lines.”
He added that vandals who attempt to cut or interfere with the upgraded tracks risk severe injury or death from electrocution.
Opeifa explained that the NRC has increased security measures to protect the rail infrastructure, including surveillance systems, monitoring teams, and public sensitisation campaigns.
“NRC is investing heavily in security, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns to safeguard both the infrastructure and communities around the tracks,” the MD said.
He appealed to residents living near rail corridors to avoid entering restricted areas and to report suspicious activities.
He stressed that the new system is a national investment that must be protected.
“Modern rail lines are national assets. Protecting them is not optional,” he said.
The NRC boss also noted that the electrification project is part of wider reforms aimed at improving passenger services, expanding freight operations, and opening the sector to more private sector participation.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
