By Funso OLOJO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Kayode Opeifa , the former Vice – Chairman, Presidential Task Team (PPT) of the then fabled Apapa Traffic Gridlock, as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation.
He took over from Ben Iloanusi who was acting Managing Director that replaced former Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria who exited on October 18, 2024 after completion of his second four- year tenure.
The new ND, NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, was the former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation and a renowned transport management expert.
A native of Agege, Lagos, Dr. Opeifa’s appointment has been hailed as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to the transportation sector.
Friends and family have expressed confidence in his ability to revitalize the nation’s railway system, given his extensive expertise and track record of success.
Dr. Opeifa gained prominence during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives that modernized the city’s transport sector.
His policies and innovations not only improved traffic management but also established Lagos as a benchmark for urban transportation systems in Africa.
Building on his success in Lagos, Dr. Opeifa was later appointed as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and competence, ensuring efficient transportation systems in the nation’s capital.
With a profound understanding of transportation systems, particularly railways, Dr. Opeifa is expected to bring a new vision to the NRC.
His leadership is anticipated to drive the development of a more efficient, interconnected railway system that will boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.
Dr Opeifa was drafted by Buhari Administration to come and tackle the monstrous and famed Apapa Gridlock which was then ravaging the Apapa Ports corridor.
He was appointed as the Vice- Chairman, Presidential Task Team (PTT) by the former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who chaired the Task Team then charged with unbundling the ravaging traffic Gridlock at the Lagos Ports.
