The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has publicly apologized following his verbal outburst against NTA Transport Correspondent and former NAWOJ president, Comrade Ladi Bala, during the coverage of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.
Opeifa made the apology at a press briefing held on Sunday at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja. He explained that the incident occurred under intense pressure, as he was managing the emergency response.
“I 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 stated.
In an attempt to promote reconciliation, Opeifa awarded Comrade Bala the honorary title of Ambassador for Media Advocacy—a symbolic gesture of the NRC’s renewed commitment to press freedom and better media relations.
Speaking further about the derailment, Opeifa confirmed that eight coaches and one locomotive were involved, carrying 618 passengers, of whom approximately 20 were injured, including seven critically. Emergency protocols were swiftly activated, engaging agencies such as NEMA, NAN, the military, NISA, and state health ministries, to ensure a coordinated response.
