The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to staff welfare and workplace safety, placing strong emphasis on mental wellbeing 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 Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, described this year’s theme; “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations” as timely and highly relevant to the corporation’s operations.
Addressing employees across the country, from train drivers to administrative staff, Opeifa highlighted the demanding nature of railway operations and the collective responsibility required to ensure passenger safety.
According to the statement, workers across major routes including Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, Warri-Itakpe, as well as narrow gauge corridors such as Port Harcourt-Aba, Lagos-Kano, Lagos-Ogun, and Jos-Kuru play critical roles in sustaining safety across Nigeria’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 noted.
Opeifa acknowledged the physical and mental strain associated with railway duties, citing long shifts, night operations, and strict scheduling demands. He warned that stress, fatigue, and poor communication could heighten operational risks.
“A tired driver, a distracted technician, or a demoralised station officer is a risk to the entire rail system”, he said, underscoring the link between employee wellbeing and safety outcomes.
He also referenced feedback from internal safety forums and staff engagements, where concerns were raised over heavy workloads, irregular shifts, limited welfare facilities at remote stations, and strained interdepartmental relations.
In response, the NRC boss said psychosocial safety would now form a central pillar of the corporation’s broader safety strategy.
As part of its 2026 action plan, management will improve working conditions, expand access to welfare and medical services, and strengthen mental health support systems. Staff experiencing stress or emotional challenges are encouraged to seek help through supervisors, union representatives, or medical personnel.
“Silence is not safety”, Opeifa emphasised.
He urged employees to take personal responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment by supporting one another, respecting rest periods, and reporting psychosocial risks promptly.
“Safety on the railway isn’t just about tracks, signals, and protective equipment, it’s about people”, the statement added.
The message concluded by linking employee wellbeing to national development, noting that a healthy and supported workforce is essential for reliable service delivery and sustained public confidence in rail transportation.
“A healthy, supported workforce is how we keep NRC running safely, reliably, and proudly”, Opeifa stated.
The observance highlighted the evolving scope of workplace safety, with increasing focus on mental health and psychosocial factors; an approach the NRC said is key to building a resilient and efficient rail system.