By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and Ajaokuta Steel Company have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deploy locally fabricated equipment in the management and maintenance of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.
The deal, with an option for renewal, was sealed on the sidelines of a two-day international railway conference in Abuja.
Both organisations expressed optimism that the partnership would advance the federal government’s economic diversification agenda while strengthening the nation’s transport system.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the collaboration would cut costs and deliver mutual benefits to stakeholders, particularly emerging local rail companies.
He disclosed that the first phase of the partnership had already been implemented with the introduction of pylons and elevated platforms to secure rail tracks.
On his part, the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, explained that the new design would ensure rights of way are properly protected, thereby reducing vandalism and preventing accidents from animals and pedestrians crossing ground-level rail lines.
He added that the planned speed rail infrastructure would be fully secured and inaccessible to unauthorized persons, a development expected to enhance safety, efficiency, and the long-term sustainability of rail transport in Nigeria.