Recently, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) pledged to restore commercial train services along the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge corridor, with operations set to reach Offa in Kwara State by the end of 2025.

Dr. Kayode Opeifa, NRC Managing Director, made the announcement in a statement issued by the corporation's acting Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, in Lagos.

The commitment was shared during a meeting with members of the Lagos State chapter of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU), led by Dr. Waheed Olagunju, who visited to congratulate Opeifa on his appointment.

The NRC boss explained that although the western narrow gauge line would have resumed operations earlier, the washout along the corridor delayed the process.

"I assure that NRC engineers are working round the clock to repair damaged tracks with service reactivation expected to reach Offa, Ilorin, Mokwa, Kaduna, and ultimately Kano.

"NRC applauds the people of Offa for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding railway assets, their efforts as exemplary," he said.

Opeifa assured that under his leadership, the NRC would not only reactivate the Offa railway line but also revive the Railway Recreation Club, boosting community activities in the town.

Reiterating the importance of Offa in Nigeria's railway history, Opeifa promised that the town would be prioritised under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

He highlighted NRC's recent partnerships with five higher institutions, including the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, to leverage mutual manpower development, underscoring the corporation's dedication to developing skilled railway professionals.

The NRC boss also announced that the corporation is aggressively optimising Nigeria's railway assets by collaborating with state governments under its "Railing with the states" by reactivating and putting to use its narrow gauge lines, bringing train services closer to the people.

Olagunju hailed Opeifa for transforming the NRC since his appointment.

The erstwhile broadcaster noted that the Offa community, with the blessing of their traditional ruler, looked forward to the return of train operations, a service enjoyed for over 113 years.