NRC MD: To enhance rail track monitoring throughout Nigeria, FG would fortify its relationship with Brazil.
In an attempt to increase safety and guarantee more effective rail operations, the Federal Government of Nigeria intends to deepen its relationship with Brazil in order to upgrade railway track monitoring systems throughout the country.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this was revealed by Mr. Kayode Opeifa, the managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), during a meeting with Mr. Murilo Martins, the managing director of the Brazilian company Loram Maintenance, at the Idu Railway Station on Wednesday in Abuja.
Opeifa stated that in order to protect the integrity of rail infrastructure across the country, the government would make use of cutting-edge monitoring technologies and international collaboration. Nigeria stands to gain from Brazil’s high-end rail experience, he continued, especially as the nation attempts to update its railway infrastructure.
For safe and effective train operations, the federal government said it will improve the nation’s railway track monitoring system.
When he received a team at Idu Railway Station on Wednesday in Abuja, headed by Mr. Murilo Martins, the Managing Director of Loram Maintenance, Brazil, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), made this statement.
Opeifa stated that in order to guarantee the integrity of the lines and offer dependable service to both freight and passenger customers, the government would make use of cutting-edge technologies and routine inspections of rail operators.
In addition to stating that Nigeria was prepared to fortify its relationship with Brazil in order to accomplish the accomplishment, the head of the NRC noted that Brazil possessed advanced technology that Nigeria could benefit from.
He further noted the NRC is also working to revive abandoned routes and expand cargo movement on narrow-gauge lines, which could further enhance economic activity while helping reduce road congestion and infrastructure strain.
The NRC boss decried the increasing threat of rail track vandalism, warning that it not only undermines national infrastructure goals but also endangers lives. He reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward vandalism, stating that only NRC management has the authority to dispose of railway materials.
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In response, Loram’s Managing Director, Mr. Murilo Martins, affirmed Brazil’s readiness to support Nigeria through technical cooperation and knowledge exchange.
- He noted that modern track monitoring employs methods such as visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and rail profile measurement.
- Martins added that technologies like automation, drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are now widely used to monitor rail systems more efficiently and at lower cost.
This intent to collaborate on rail monitoring comes just days after Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, visited Nigeria for a high-level three-day state visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties.
The visit is expected to lead to the signing of over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across strategic sectors, including defence, agricultural technology, energy transition, education, cultural exchange, and trade facilitation.
