August 3, 2025 — The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has refuted recent reports suggesting acts of vandalism on the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge rail corridor, maintaining that the route remains secure, operational, and unaffected by any recent sabotage.
In a statement released through the corporation’s Public Relations Office, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa clarified that a circulating video alleging track vandalism was both outdated and misleading. According to Dr. Opeifa, the video in question relates to incidents that occurred in August and September 2024 at Erunmu, a location in Ibadan not situated along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor.
The MD stated that those incidents involved theft of clips and short rails, but categorically asserted that they were unrelated to the current Lagos–Ibadan route. He assured that the line, which was inaugurated in June 2021, continues to operate daily passenger and freight services without disruption.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges with vandalism across some rail lines nationwide, NRC stressed that the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge remains intact and closely monitored. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to rail safety and reliability, noting continued investments in infrastructure surveillance and public sensitisation efforts.
The corporation urged residents and stakeholders along railway corridors to remain alert and report suspicious activities, as part of collective efforts to protect critical national infrastructure.
NRC concluded by reiterating that the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge line has not experienced any recent vandalism and remains safe for all scheduled operations.
