The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, has issued a stern warning against unauthorised sales, leases, and allocations of railway properties nationwide. The directive, circulated internally on December 18, 2025, follows the discovery of alleged illegal dealings by some NRC officers. The move has triggered anxiety within the corporation.
In the memo referenced MDL.360/25/T/VOL.1-062, NRC management said it uncovered transactions involving railway lands carried out without approval or documentation. The circular was addressed to Railway District Managers in Ebute Metta, Ibadan, and five other districts, with copies sent to major directorates, including Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and Human Resources.
According to the directive, some officers were found to be leasing, allocating, or otherwise transacting NRC landed assets without clearance from the Office of the Managing Director. Opeifa stressed that approval for any land-related transaction rests solely with the Managing Director and cannot be delegated.
The NRC boss warned that no Railway District Manager is authorised to approve or initiate property transactions. He stated that any engagement involving NRC land must receive explicit written approval routed from the Managing Director of the NRC to the Managing Director of the Railway Property Management Company Limited.
Opeifa made it clear that violations would attract severe disciplinary action in line with NRC rules and the Public Service Regulations. Officers were directed to immediately cease any unauthorised dealings and strictly comply with the new order.
The latest crackdown comes against the backdrop of lingering controversy over NRC assets. About nine months ago, railway unions accused NRC Properties Limited of unlawfully selling and converting railway properties, particularly in northern states. The unions claimed several assets were improperly disposed of over a period spanning nearly two decades.
While the property management firm denied wrongdoing and insisted all transactions followed due process, affected workers petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Kano State Government, demanding a full investigation.
Efforts to obtain official comments from NRC spokesperson Callistus Unyimadu were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, two staff members, who requested anonymity, said the directive had triggered panic among some senior officers, with several reportedly rushing to regularise questionable deals with illegal occupants.
