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Nigerian Railway Corporation Grants Permanent Licence for Lagos Red Line Operations

Published

4 months ago

July 1, 2026

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has issued a permanent operating licence to the Lagos State Government for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line, marking a significant step in opening the sector to state participation

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has issued a permanent operating licence to the Lagos State Government for the operation of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line, a significant milestone that ends the NRC’s 128-year monopoly in the country’s railway sector.

Also read: NRC Pledges Better Welfare Despite Financial Struggles

The Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, presented the licence on Tuesday to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority during a ceremony in Lagos. He described the development as a bold alignment with global best practices that allows multiple operators within a regulated framework.

Opeifa explained that the permanent licence follows the successful implementation of a temporary operating licence granted under a Track Sharing Agreement. It authorises LAMATA to operate services along the shared corridor while empowering the state to manage additional rail systems to international standards.

He recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks to Lagos State in April 2012 to support the Red Line project.

Passenger services began on 15 October 2024 after inauguration by President Bola Tinubu, with the NRC providing training and capacity building support.

The NRC boss commended the Lagos State Government for its substantial investment in infrastructure and rolling stock, describing the Red Line as one of the most impactful urban rail initiatives in Nigeria.

He encouraged other states to invest in rail transport to complement federal efforts.

Such investments, Opeifa noted, would reduce pressure on highways, lower logistics costs, improve mobility, stimulate commerce and drive broader economic growth. He reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to collaborative partnerships for a safe, efficient and sustainable national railway system.

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The issuance of the permanent licence is expected to strengthen multi-level governance in Nigeria’s transport sector and accelerate the expansion of modern rail services in major cities.

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Kaduna Steps Up Ebola Surveillance and Public Awareness

Published

5 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kaduna Ebola surveillance is being strengthened through health facility preparedness, public awareness campaigns and planned sensitisation at key entry points.

The Kaduna State Government has stepped up Ebola surveillance and preventive measures, including strengthening health facility preparedness and expanding public awareness campaigns, as authorities work to prevent a possible outbreak.

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The Director of Public Health at the state Ministry of Health, Dr Sadique Abubakar, disclosed the measures in an interview with PUNCH Online on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a meeting to assess the Ebola situation and identify necessary preventive actions.

Abubakar said the government was working to improve the readiness of health facilities while educating residents about Ebola prevention and the importance of strict infection prevention and control practices.

“We have already identified the necessary actions that we will continue to take. Part of them is strengthening facility readiness and awareness,” he said.

He explained that community sensitisation remained central to the state’s preparedness strategy, with health officials developing messages to inform the public about the disease and ways to reduce the risk of transmission.

“We are currently developing messages to distribute across various media platforms. We will also engage the media in sensitising the community through radio, television and other channels,” Abubakar said.

The government is also planning awareness campaigns at key entry points, including motor parks and railway stations, to reach travellers and other members of the public with relevant health information.

According to the director, these efforts form part of broader preparations to ensure Kaduna can respond effectively to a potential public health emergency.

Abubakar added that the Ministry of Health would issue a public health advisory to guide residents on precautions and other relevant information concerning Ebola.

“Usually, when we have issues of public health concern, we release public health advisories,” he said.

He assured residents that the government would continue reviewing its preparedness plans and provide updates as additional measures were developed.

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The director urged the public to follow official health information and observe recommended preventive measures while the state strengthens its readiness against a possible Ebola outbreak.