NRC Managing Director Issues Apology For Verbal Attack On Journalist During Train Derailment Coverage.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has issued a public apology for verbally abusing Ladi Bala, a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) journalist, while she was covering the aftermath of a train derailment on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor on 27 August 2025. The apology, delivered at a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja on 31 August, followed widespread condemnation from media stakeholders.
The incident occurred when Bala, a former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), was reporting live from the derailment site near Asham Town, Kaduna State. Witnesses reported that Opeifa disrupted her coverage, hurling derogatory remarks such as “stupid” and “useless,” questioning her professionalism, and ordering security personnel to remove her from the scene. The NUJ FCT Council condemned the conduct as “dehumanising” and a violation of press freedom, demanding an immediate public apology.
Addressing the controversy, Opeifa expressed regret, stating, “I sincerely apologise for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ. Acting under pressure in the heat of the moment, I uttered unkind words for which I take full responsibility.” He extended his apology to Bala, the NTA, NAWOJ, and the broader journalism community, emphasising his commitment to fostering a respectful relationship with the media.
In a gesture of goodwill, Opeifa named Bala an “Ambassador for Media Advocacy,” praising her resilience and professionalism. He detailed the derailment, noting that the train, carrying 618 passengers, saw seven coaches and the locomotive damaged, with 20 passengers injured, seven critically. The NRC’s revised emergency protocol was swiftly activated, involving agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian military, ensuring no fatalities.
Grace Ike, NUJ FCT Chairperson, welcomed the apology but reiterated the union’s stance against journalist harassment. “We will continue to fight for our members’ rights and press freedom,” she said. Opeifa also highlighted ongoing NRC projects, including upgrades to the Lagos-Ibadan corridor and new rail connections, underscoring the corporation’s dedication to transparency and collaboration with the media.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for respect for journalists’ rights, with the NRC pledging to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The apology marks a step towards mending ties between the corporation and the media, reinforcing the importance of press freedom in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
