By Oso Abidemi
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has publicly apologized to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the media community for verbally assaulting Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), correspondent Comrade Ladi Bala during coverage of last week’s train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja, Dr. Opeifa admitted that his remarks, made under pressure while coordinating emergency responses, were inappropriate and regrettable.
“I wish to sincerely apologize for the regrettable remarks I made, which reflected poorly on the NUJ FCT, NAWOJ, and the journalism profession,” he said. “Acting under pressure, I uttered some unkind words for which I take full responsibility.”
The NUJ FCT Council had earlier condemned his actions as demeaning and a violation of press freedom.
Comrade Bala, a former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), was said to have endured verbal attacks from the NRC boss while performing her duties at the derailment scene.
In a reconciliatory move, Dr. Opeifa conferred on Bala the honorary title of Ambassador for Media Advocacy, praising her professionalism and resilience in reporting under pressure.
Providing details of the derailment, the NRC chief confirmed that eight coaches and one locomotive were involved, with 618 passengers onboard. About 20 passengers sustained injuries, seven of them critical.
He noted that emergency protocols were activated immediately, engaging NEMA, the Federal Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Government, the FCT Administration, and the military to ensure rescue and medical response.
Dr. Opeifa also highlighted ongoing recovery efforts and reaffirmed NRC’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with the media.
He said the corporation had contacted over 400 affected passengers and established a Customer Service and Relations Department to strengthen engagement.
NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the apology, describing it as a step toward rebuilding trust.
She stressed, however, that the union would maintain zero tolerance for harassment and intimidation of journalists.
“The NUJ will continue to defend press freedom and ensure our members can work without fear,” she said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, commended Opeifa’s humility and pledged stronger cooperation between the presidency, NRC, and the media.
