NRC Boss, Opeifa Apologizes to Ladi Bala, Names Her Ambassador for Media Advocacy

By Iyojo Ameh

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has tendered a public apology to the Nigerian media community and Comrade Ladi Bala, a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) journalist, following a verbal altercation during the coverage of the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.

Dr. Opeifa, who visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat on Sunday, admitted that his remarks at the crash site were “unkind and regrettable,” noting they were made under pressure while managing the crisis.

“I wish to sincerely apologize for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on both the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ,” he said. “I take full responsibility for my words.”

Bala, a former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), had been verbally attacked while performing her official duties at the scene of the derailment. The NUJ FCT Council had condemned the incident, describing it as dehumanizing and a violation of press freedom.

In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, Dr. Opeifa conferred on Bala the honorary title of “Ambassador for Media Advocacy”, praising her resilience and professionalism.

The NRC boss also used the occasion to provide details on the derailment, which involved eight coaches, one locomotive, and 618 passengers. According to him, about 20 passengers were injured—seven critically—while emergency teams including NEMA, the military, and health authorities were mobilized within 45 minutes to evacuate passengers and provide medical assistance.

“I personally visited at least seven injured passengers, including one who had made his way to Zaria,” he disclosed.

He commended the swift collaboration of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, police, and local vigilantes, noting that their prompt action saved lives. Recovery efforts, he said, had already cleared several coaches, with engineers laying new tracks to restore service.

Beyond the derailment, Dr. Opeifa outlined NRC’s progress in rail development, including the reactivation of the Jos–Bukuru line, expansion of the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, and plans to link major seaports such as Tin Can, Warri, and Onne to the national rail network. He also announced the creation of a Customer Service and Relations Department, which had already reached out to more than 400 affected passengers.

“The media remain our partners, not adversaries,” he said. “We will deepen collaboration with the NUJ, NAWOJ, and civil society to promote transparency and public trust.”

Responding, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the apology but stressed that the union would continue to defend press freedom.

“We have zero tolerance for intimidation and harassment of journalists. With Comrade Ladi Bala now serving as NRC’s Ambassador for Media Advocacy, we expect more campaigns promoting the welfare and development of journalists, especially in the FCT,” she said.

Also present at the event, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, lauded Dr. Opeifa’s humility, describing the apology as a step towards rebuilding trust between the NRC and the media.