NRC Boss Apologizes to NTA Journalist, Confers Advocacy Title

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has tendered a heartfelt public apology to the Nigerian media following a verbal altercation with Comrade Ladi Bala, a journalist with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). The incident occurred during coverage of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja, Dr. Opeifa admitted that his remarks, made in the heat of the crisis, were misconstrued as hostility toward the press.

“I wish to sincerely apologize for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on both the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ. To her, I offer my fullest apology. I also extend the same to the NTA and the wider journalism community,” Opeifa said.

He explained that while acting under pressure to manage safety concerns after the derailment, he made unkind remarks for which he took full responsibility.

As part of his gesture of reconciliation, Dr. Opeifa conferred on Ladi Bala the honorary title of “Ambassador for Media Advocacy”, recognizing her resilience, professionalism, and commitment to factual reporting despite the incident.

The NRC boss also announced the creation of a Customer Service and Relations Department to strengthen engagement with passengers and the media. He revealed that the unit had already reached out to over 400 passengers affected by the Kaduna accident.

Commending journalists for their coverage, Opeifa urged for accuracy in reporting emergencies to avoid creating panic among the public.

In her response, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the apology as a positive step toward rebuilding trust, stressing that the council would always defend press freedom and maintain zero tolerance for intimidation or harassment of journalists.

Also present at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, praised Opeifa’s humility in owning up to his actions and reaffirmed the presidency’s commitment to fostering collaboration between government institutions, the NRC, and the media.