Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) reaffirms commitment to improving staff welfare and workplace safety.

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving staff welfare and workplace safety as it joined the global community to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

In a statement signed by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr Callistus Unyimadu,  the NRC’s Managing Director Dr Kayode Opeifa, described the importance of this year’s theme, “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organizations,” as both timely and deeply relevant to the corporation’s operations.

NRC MD. Dr. Kayode Opeifa.

Addressing all workers ranging from train drivers to administrative staff spread across the country, the NRC boss highlighted the demanding nature of working in the railway sector and the shared responsibility of everyone of them in ensuring passenger safety.

According to the statement, workers across all the standard gauge routes—Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, Warri-Itakpe, and the narrow gauge lines of Port Harcourt-Aba, Lagos-Kano and Lagos-Ogun and Jos-Kuru—Bukuru Mass Transit Train, play critical roles in mainstreaming safety of the nation’s rail network.

“Nigerians trust us to move them safely, and that trust begins with how safe and supported we feel at work,” the statement added.

Dr Opeifa acknowledged the physical and mental stress associated with railway operations, pointing to long shifts, night duties, and the pressure to maintain strict schedules. He warned that stress, fatigue, and poor communication could significantly increase safety risks across the system.

“A tired driver, a distracted technician, or a demoralized station officer is a risk to the entire rail system,” he noted, underscoring the direct link between employee wellbeing and operational safety.

The NRC Boss also referenced feedback gathered from internal safety forums and staff engagement sessions where workers had raised concerns about heavy workloads, irregular shift patterns, inadequate welfare facilities at remote stations, and instances of poor interdepartmental relations.

Responding to these concerns, Dr Opeifa said that psychosocial safety would now be treated as a central pillar of management’s broader safety strategy.

As part of its 2026 action plan, the NRC boss said the management is committed to improving working conditions and supporting employee wellbeing.

He added that the NRC would foster a more respectful and inclusive workplace culture stressed that every role within the corporation—from cleaners at terminals to senior engineers—is vital to the smooth running of railway services.

The corporation, the NRC MD said plans to expand access to staff welfare and medical services, with a stronger focus on mental health support. Employees experiencing stress or emotional challenges are being encouraged to seek help through supervisors, union representatives, or medical personnel.

“Silence is not safety,” he emphasized, urging workers to speak up early when facing difficulties.

He called on employees to take personal responsibility for promoting a safer and healthier work environment. Staff were encouraged to look out for one another, respect rest periods, and report psychosocial risks with the same urgency as physical hazards.

“Safety on the railway isn’t just about tracks, signals, and protective equipment—it’s about people,” the statement read.

The message concluded with a broader vision for the organisation, linking employee wellbeing to national development. By prioritizing the mental and physical health of its workforce, the NRC aims to strengthen service delivery and maintain public confidence in rail transportation.

“A healthy, supported workforce is how we keep NRC running—safely, reliably, and proudly,” Dr Opeifa stated.

The observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of workplace safety, with increasing attention being paid to mental health and psychosocial factors. For the NRC, this year’s commemoration signals a shift toward more holistic safety practices—ones that recognise that strong organisations are built on the wellbeing of their people.