NRC to upgrade Iddo train station

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says no legitimate trader will lose their space as the corporation plans an upgrade of the Iddo train station in Lagos.

According to NAN, Kayode Opeifa, managing director of the NRC, gave the assurance on Monday during a meeting with leaders of the Iddo train terminus traders, Ijora Olopa/Ajeloro fish traders, Ifelodun traders and Otto traders at the corporation’s headquarters in Lagos.

Opeifa said the engagement became necessary to reassure traders of the safety of their businesses and investments following the planned facelift for the nation’s old train station.

“The exercise may affect some shanties, however, it is regrettable that many of the traders have operated for several years at the various markets illegally,” the NRC boss said.

“Some of these traders operate without valid documents, while others who claimed to be paying, were paying to the wrong people.

“The present administration of the NRC is determined to transform the Iddo train station, we have started with some paintings of the terminus and let me assure you that we are bringing back the trains to serve our people.”

‘IDDO WILL NO LONGER BE HIDEOUT FOR CRIMINALS’

Opeifa criticised the growing encroachment on railway tracks, noting that some structures are being erected without approval.

“It is our desire to contribute to helping to improve the value of where you trade,” he said.

“Iddo is dirty. There is no electricity and no toilet facilities. We are working very hard to ensure we bring back these facilities. I have created a business unit for Iddo because of the priority we have set for the place.

“We are determined to flush out drug traffickers from all our landed property at Iddo and we are assuring you that the place will no longer be a hideout for criminals.

“The time the rightful tenants of our property benefits from Iddo has finally come. We will leave no stone unturned in achieving a total transformation of Iddo train terminus.”

He said the corporation will not increase rent on any of its properties in the area and stressed the need to maintain proper records of all tenants.

“All tenants will now be paying directly to the Nigerian Railway Property Management Company Limited,” Opeifa added.

Speaking, Rashid Ajibola, chairman of the Iddo railway terminal traders, commended Opeifa for assuring them that no legitimate trader will be forcefully removed out of the market.

“This is the first time that we would meet with the managing director of the NRC and we are elated that we will not be removed from the place that provides food on our table for decades,” he said.

Ajibola assured Opeifa of the readiness of his members to support his administration to succeed.

Aina Adekoya, chairman of the Ijora Olopa Ajeloro fish market, said the traders are encouraged by the NRC’s commitment to transforming the station rather than displacing businesses.