The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has unveiled a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at transforming cleanliness, safety, and passenger comfort across its nationwide rail network.
The new directive was formally introduced during a high-level workshop for cleaning service providers held at the Corporation’s headquarters in Lagos on April 29, 2026.
Opening the session, Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa, charged all contractors to strictly adhere to the newly established standards, stressing that compliance must be uniform across all locations nationwide.
He emphasised that in modern rail operations, cleaning has evolved beyond routine maintenance into a critical component of service delivery—one that directly influences passenger safety, satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency.
According to Opeifa, the initiative championed by the Business Processes, Efficiency and Due Diligence (BuPED) Desk is designed to institutionalise uniform standards and introduce robust Quality Control Cleaning Codes for all operators engaged by the Corporation.
“Today marks a significant step in our drive to reposition the Nigerian Railway as a model transport system, not just in mobility but in environmental quality”, he said.
“Cleanliness, comfort, and passenger confidence are key metrics by which modern rail systems are judged”.
He noted that maintaining hygienic stations and welcoming coaches is essential to building and sustaining public trust in the railway system.
The NRC boss commended the BuPED team for convening cleaning service providers from across the country, describing the workshop as a strategic move to align contractors with global best practices.
“For us to compete internationally, our standards must match global benchmarks. This is why BuPED was established—to drive reform, efficiency, and accountability. This workshop is a critical step in that direction”, he added.
Opeifa explained that the operational manual distributed at the workshop would serve as a daily guide for contractors, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and safety in all cleaning operations nationwide.
He also urged participants to position themselves for emerging opportunities as the Federal Government expands rail infrastructure through major projects, including the Kano–Kaduna, Kano–Maradi, Ibadan–Osogbo–Ilorin, and Enugu–Aba corridors.
“We are gradually building a multi-billion naira railway ecosystem. Those contributing today will play vital roles in managing and sustaining these new routes when they come on stream”, he said.
In his remarks, Director of BuPED, Mr. Oyekunle Oyewole, stated that all 24 cleaning service providers who participated in the workshop are now required to fully comply with the newly introduced operational standards.
He added that future performance evaluations would be strictly tied to adherence to the SOP, urging participants to take full advantage of the training.
Oyewole assured stakeholders of continuous support from the BuPED Department to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery across the rail system.
The new SOP marks a decisive move by the NRC to elevate service quality, enforce accountability, and align Nigeria’s railway operations with international standards.