The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has responded to complaints by some passengers regarding the condition of facilities on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), especially concerns about non-functioning toilets onboard the trains.
During an unscheduled inspection of the Idu Railway Station in Abuja, Dr. Opeifa personally checked the toilets and other facilities on the train coaches. He confirmed that most of the toilets are now functional, though he admitted that there is still room for further improvement.
His visit followed growing outcry from passengers, particularly on social media, who have voiced frustration over poor hygiene and the alleged non-availability of functional toilets during trips. Many passengers also expressed concerns about the general state of cleanliness and comfort onboard the AKTS, which is one of Nigeria’s busiest railway routes.
Dr. Opeifa, while addressing the issue during the inspection, assured the public that the NRC is committed to ensuring comfort, safety, and cleanliness for all passengers using its services.
“We take all feedback seriously, whether from the media or passengers. The Corporation is committed to transparency and continual improvement in our services,” he said.
He noted that his team had taken immediate steps to address the complaints raised and that the inspection was part of ongoing efforts to monitor the state of railway infrastructure and ensure high service standards.
The NRC boss was accompanied during the inspection by senior officials and technical staff, who provided updates on the status of maintenance work, facility upgrades, and other plans for service enhancement. The team inspected not only the toilets but also other essential passenger amenities and equipment at the Idu station and onboard the AKTS coaches.
Opeifa urged NRC staff to adopt a more customer-friendly approach in their day-to-day dealings with passengers, stressing that good service delivery and professionalism are essential for the success of the corporation’s ongoing transformation.
“As we continue with our revitalisation of rail services nationwide, we must not forget that our primary duty is to serve the public. Our staff must embrace a customer-first attitude at all times,” he added.
He encouraged passengers to continue supporting the NRC by making use of its customer complaint channels, which include hotlines and feedback platforms at train stations and online. According to him, feedback from the public helps the Corporation identify issues and resolve them in good time.
“Any identified deficiencies will be addressed swiftly. We want our passengers to feel safe, comfortable and heard. That is how we can build a better and more reliable railway system for Nigeria,” Opeifa said.
He also reiterated the importance of maintenance and proper usage of train facilities, calling on passengers to cooperate by using the toilets and other amenities responsibly.
The Abuja-Kaduna railway line, commissioned in 2016, has become a major route for commuters between the two cities, especially as an alternative to road travel due to insecurity. The route has seen increasing patronage in recent years, prompting calls for more attention to facility upgrades and improved service delivery.
In response to these demands, NRC has intensified efforts to refurbish coaches, repair faulty systems, and improve cleanliness onboard. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Dr. Opeifa maintained that significant progress has been made and that the Corporation will continue to invest in maintenance and customer satisfaction.
Many Nigerians view the railway as a critical part of the country’s transport infrastructure, particularly in the face of rising transport costs and road insecurity. Stakeholders have continued to advocate for better funding, regular inspections, and customer engagement to ensure the success of the rail revitalisation efforts.
