By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The newly appointed Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has promised to fulfil the corporation?s responsibility to Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda programme of President Bola Tinubu.

Opeifa made the promise on Thursday when he assumed duty as the NRC Managing Director.

Opeifa added that he would work in harmony with staffers of NRC to deepen the country?s rail system to ensure socio-economic development.

?My presence here is to add value to an existing vision by ensuring that the railway fulfils its responsibility to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope agenda programme of Mr President.

?As we gather here today, I am reminded of the critical role the Nigerian railway plays in serving the country, promoting national integration and improving the lives of our citizens.

?We will together work tirelessly to ensure that the corporation achieve its mandate and exceeds its expectations.

?Our collective mission will be efficiency, safety and customers satisfaction driven by passion,? he said.

Opeifa pledged to prioritise the completion of the ongoing projects and expand services to meet the growing capacity of the country?s population.

?This vision will centre around transforming rail in Nigeria to world class, efficient and safe mode of transportation and it will strongly align with Mr President?s 25-year strategic rail modernisation plan which is to connect every state in Nigeria,? he said.

He also promised to prioritise security of lives and property which would be done through the Ministry of Transportation along with the other national security apparatus.

?We will improve and expand connectivity to various cities, ports through rail links, promoting economic growth and development.

?We will prioritise customers satisfaction by improving customers experience and ensuring that our services are reliable, efficient safe and sustainable.

?As expected of us, as the leading rail services provider in the country, we will develop the skills and expertise of our staff to ensure excellent knowledge in the face of modern tools and technology.

?We will collaborate with the various regional development agencies in the country in the development and actualisation of regional rail system, service and plan.

?These regions are already working on their master plans and we will work with them to make sure we have a holistic rail system that will be for the benefit of everybody,? he said.

Opeifa said that to deepen existing private sector participation that was in line with global practices, a conducive environment would be created.

He added that the commercial aspect of NRC operations would be enhanced to increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of the transport sector and the economy as a whole.

?We will work with relevant agencies to support the programme and skill acquisition and utilisation of the numerous resources of the NRC especially our workshops, which will be made available to any agency of the federal and state government for use.

?To improve public perception and ensure transparency of the corporation, we will be working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and others,? he said.

Earlier, the former NRC?s Acting Managing Director, Mr Ben Iloanusi, represented by the Director, Corporate Planning, Mr James Zang expressed the readiness of the workers to work harmoniously together to make the corporation achieve its mandate.

?We are excited for the journey ahead as we have you join us in the corporation.

?Your wealth of experience and your leadership skills are exactly what we need to move forward towards a bright future,? he said. (NAN)

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