By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu has continued to receive widespread praise for the appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).

The commendations, which have flooded social and mainstream media, highlighted the positive impact of Dr. Olaifa since his foray into active public service with attendant indelible achievements to his credit.

One of those who have considered Opeifa’s appointment worthy by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Chairman of Lagos Zone of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Tayo Aboyeji.

Aboyeji a sharp-witted Union leader in a statement he personally signed on Monday, February 3, 2025 and made available to the media expressed optimism that Opeifa’s appointment will bring about positive transformation to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), judging from his past records in public service which was characterized by excellence, hardwork, transparency, accountability, high moral rectitude and with various monumental feats.

According to him, “I sincerely laud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his knack for getting the right team with him in running his government with respect to round pegs in round holes, and most recently the appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).

“With my keen attention to Dr. Opeifa’s trajectory within the public space over the years, I am sure his appointment will bring about positive transformation to the Nigeria Railway Corporation and as well help in enhancing broader security for the nation’s assets and driving significant reforms within the rail transportation value chain in Nigeria. His past records in public service was characterized by excellence, hardwork, transparency, accountability, high moral rectitude and with various monumental feats.

“The records are there publicly showing how Dr. Opeifa performed meritoriously as Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State under the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola. He was subsequently appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari to help tackle the perennial, notorious, intractable Apapa gridlock and environs.

“He was also appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Task Team (PTT) to free Apapa gridlock by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who chaired the team and then charged the members with the task of unbundling the ravaging traffic gridlock at Lagos ports.

“Opeifa gained prominence and accolades during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation where he spearheaded initiatives that modernised the state’s transport sector to meet mega city status. His policies and innovations not only improved traffic management but also established Lagos as a benchmark for urban transportation systems in Africa. Based on his achievements in the sector, Opeifa was later appointed as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by Buhari.

“I am strongly convinced that this committed technocrat will bring his wealth of experience and managerial skills to bear on this fresh national assignment entrusted to him by the President. Sir, as you embark on this huge task, I humbly look forward to an industrious working relationship with you, ”he said.

Aboyeji further wished Opeifa success as he took up the responsibilities and challenges of the new office; “I have no doubt absolutely in your ability to offer your best to the discharge of your duties in the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu,” he stated.