Abuja–Kaduna Rail Trip: NIPR Delegates Call for Increased Investment in Rail
Delegates of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) who travelled by rail from Abuja to Kaduna for the Institute’s Annual Public Relations Week have commended the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for noticeable improvements in service delivery, describing the journey as evidence of renewed efficiency and a stronger operational focus in the nation’s rail sector.
The Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) operated at full capacity as hundreds of NIPR members from various state chapters converged on Abuja and proceeded together to Kaduna by rail. The group was later conveyed back to Abuja after the week-long programme. Many delegates said the decision to travel by train was a deliberate show of confidence in the ongoing reforms within the NRC and an endorsement of efforts to reposition rail transport.
Participants described the trip as smooth and well-coordinated, and commended the conduct of NRC personnel for their professionalism and responsiveness to passengers.
Despite the progress, the delegates urged the Federal Government to sustain and scale up investment in the railway sector. They noted that rail transportation demands significant capital for infrastructure maintenance and the acquisition of rolling stock, but stressed that the long-term economic and social benefits far outweigh the costs.
Among the passengers was the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha in Osun State, Oba Dr Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, who praised the leadership of NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, describing him as a driving force behind the recent improvements in the corporation.
Other notable delegates on the train included the President of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Chief Tony Akiotu; Dr Mohammed Kudu Abubakar, former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority and Chairman of the Planning Committee for the forthcoming World Public Relations Conference; and several NIPR state chairmen.
Speaking during the trip, the Lagos State NIPR Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, said the Institute’s leadership encouraged members to travel together by rail as a show of support for the sector. He explained that the move was intended to reinforce confidence in rail transport as a national asset that is gradually regaining relevance in Nigeria’s mobility framework.
The NRC delegation to the conference was led by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, alongside the Special Assistant to the Managing Director on Media and Communication, Mr Yinka Aderigbigbe.
The NIPR Annual General Meeting, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Murtala Square, Kaduna, focused on emerging trends and innovations in public relations practice. For many delegates, the rail journey itself underscored the growing acceptance of rail transport and strengthened calls for sustained investment to deepen the sector’s contribution to national development.