NRC MD apologises for remarks against journalist during train derailment coverage

Kayode Opeifa, managing director (MD) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has apologised for harassing Ladi Bala, a journalist with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), during the coverage of the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.

On August 26, a train from Abuja to Kaduna veered off the track, with several coaches tumbling.

Bala, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, was covering the accident when she was verbally harassed by Opeifa.

The federal capital territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had condemned the harassment while demanding a public apology from Opeifa.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, the NRC MD described his remarks against the journalist as “regrettable”, saying he was under pressure while managing the situation.

“I wish to sincerely apologise for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ,” he said.

“Acting under pressure and in the heat of the moment while trying to ensure safety, I uttered some unkind words for which I take full responsibility.”

Opeifa named Bala as the ambassador for media advocacy.

“To her, I offer my fullest apology. I also extend the same to the NTA, NAWOJ, and the wider journalism community. I have fought alongside journalists before; I am not their enemy,” the MD said.

“The media remain our partners, not adversaries. We will deepen collaboration with the NUJ, NAWOJ, and civil society to promote transparency and public trust.”

He said the crash involved one locomotive and eight coaches, creating intense pressure on his team to manage rescue operations, brief the presidency and the public, and trigger emergency measures simultaneously.

Opeifa said the corporation’s updated emergency plan was activated immediately, bringing in agencies such as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the federal ministry of health, the Kaduna state government, the FCT administration, and the Nigerian military.

The MD said 618 passengers were on board during the derailment, seven coaches and the locomotive were wrecked, and about 20 passengers were injured, seven of them seriously.

Grace Ike, NUJ FCT chair, said the union will continue to demand a free press and resist intimidation.

“We will persist in fighting for our members’ rights and freedom of speech, which is a right, not a privilege,” she said.

She expressed satisfaction with the apology, saying every form of harassment of journalists must be dismantled.