Nigerian Railway Corporation Debunks Vandalism Claims on Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has dismissed recent reports alleging that the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line has been vandalised and rendered unsafe for use.
Reacting to an online publication that claimed major components of the $1.5 billion rail project had been stolen by vandals, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, issued a firm rebuttal on Saturday in Lagos. His statement was conveyed through the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Corporation, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu.
“The management of NRC has observed with concern a report published on the internet, which claimed that vandals invaded a section of the Lagos-Ibadan Railway Project,” Opeifa said. “It stated that the vandals had stolen major components of the railway project inaugurated by late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021.”
However, the NRC boss clarified that the video footage and accompanying reports making rounds on social media and certain online platforms were misleading and outdated.
He stressed that the incident shown in the video did not take place on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge corridor.
“While we appreciate the efforts of media platforms to highlight the dangers posed by economic saboteurs to public infrastructure, it is important to note that the referenced video is not recent and does not relate to the Lagos-Ibadan corridor,” Opeifa stated.
He assured the public that the Lagos-Ibadan route remains safe, operational, and under constant surveillance.
The NRC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding all national rail assets and enhancing security measures along its corridors.
The Lagos-Ibadan rail line, one of Nigeria’s flagship infrastructure projects, was commissioned in June 2021 to improve inter-city connectivity and reduce traffic congestion along the busy southwestern corridor.
Since its launch, it has served thousands of commuters and cargo operations between Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ibadan.
The NRC urged members of the public and media to verify claims before dissemination to avoid unnecessary panic and misinformation, assuring that all efforts are being made to maintain the integrity and reliability of the nation’s rail services.
