Opeifa Assures Traders: No Legitimate Land Will Be Lost as NRC Unveils Transformation Plans for Iddo Train Station
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed that no legitimate trader will lose their land or business premises as the corporation commences a comprehensive facelift of the historic Iddo Train Station.
Dr. Opeifa gave the assurance during a meeting with leaders of the Iddo Train Terminus Traders, Ijora Olopa/Ajeloro Fish Traders, Ifelodun Traders, and Otto Traders at the NRC Conference Room on Friday.
He said the meeting was convened to allay fears over the planned redevelopment and to reassure traders of the safety of their businesses and investments as the corporation begins the transformation of one of the country’s oldest rail terminals.
While noting that the exercise may lead to the removal of some illegal shanties, Dr. Opeifa lamented that several traders had operated for years without valid documentation, with many making payments to unauthorized individuals.
“The present administration of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is determined to transform the Iddo Train Station. You can already see initial signs, including the repainting of parts of the terminus. Let me assure you that we are bringing back the trains to serve our people,” he said.
Dr. Opeifa emphasized that no trader with legitimately acquired land from the NRC would be displaced, but expressed concern over the indiscriminate construction of structures on railway tracks without approval.
He outlined the corporation’s plans to improve cleanliness and restore basic amenities at Iddo, including electricity and toilet facilities. He also announced the creation of a dedicated Business Unit for Iddo, underscoring the station’s strategic importance.
“We are determined to flush out drug traffickers and ensure that Iddo is no longer a hideout for criminals. The time has come for rightful tenants to benefit from a fully transformed Iddo Train Terminus,” he stated.
Dr. Opeifa assured that rents would not be increased, but stressed the importance of proper documentation. He said all payments must now be made directly to the Nigerian Railway Property Management Company Ltd (NRPML) to ensure accountability and support ongoing developmental efforts.
He encouraged traders to continue their activities without fear, noting that compliance with tenancy procedures would help boost the corporation’s revenue for further infrastructural improvements.
“Nigeria’s economy is driven significantly by traders like you. The economic activities between Iddo and the Apapa Ports alone keep the nation’s economy running,” he added.
In their responses, leaders of the various markets commended Dr. Opeifa for engaging them directly and providing clarity on the corporation’s plans.
Alhaji Rashid Bashorun Ajibola, Chairman of the Iddo Railway Terminal Traders, described the meeting as historic.
“This is the first time we are meeting with an NRC Managing Director, and we are happy to interact with someone who understands our concerns and has assured us that we will not be forcefully evicted from the market that has sustained us for decades,” he said.
He noted that the Iddo Market supplies rice to major markets across Nigeria and pledged the traders’ support for the NRC management.
Also speaking, Mr. Aina Adekoya, Chairman of the Ijora Olopa Ajeloro Fish Market, expressed satisfaction that the corporation was not attempting to take over their market but working to improve the entire Iddo environment.
“Many of us are meeting Dr. Opeifa for the first time, and we are pleased to see he has not changed from the man we knew during his days as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation—someone who understands the value of traders,” Adekoya said.
The traders pledged to sensitize their members and strengthen their support for the NRC’s transformation agenda, following the assurances received.
