NRC MD Kayode Opeifa Apologises to NUJ Following Harassment Allegations

August 31, 2025 – Nigeria – 

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has issued a public apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, following a widely criticised incident involving the harassment of a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reporter. The apology comes after mounting pressure and condemnation from journalistic bodies and the public.

The incident in question occurred on August 27, 2025, when Ladi Bala, Transport Correspondent for NTA and former President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), was covering the aftermath of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment. Opeifa reportedly disrupted her live report, hurled derogatory insults such as “stupid,” “foolish woman,” and “useless,” and ordered security personnel to remove her from the scene. He allegedly threatened to report her to security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management in an effort to have her removed from future NRC coverage—a clear affront to press freedom.

In response, the NUJ described the conduct as dehumanising, highlighting its violation of constitutional protections for freedom of expression and press under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The union demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology and called on the NRC to implement measures preventing such incidents from recurring.

Opeifa, in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, stated he had “done the needful” by apologising. He framed the apology as a gesture from someone who has long identified with the NUJ, recalling his history of unionism and past recognition from the organisation. “As a friend of the house,” he said, “I apologise for what happened and take full responsibility.”

The NRC MD also noted that he had publicly apologised at the Presidential Villa and reconnected with media leaders who sought the apology, emphasizing his commitment to his national duties under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This apology marks a significant moment—acknowledging the importance of protecting journalists’ rights—even as the episode draws attention to the broader need for respecting media freedom and ensuring safe working conditions for journalists, especially women, in Nigeria.

Reference – 

https://punchng.com/nrc-md-apologises-to-nuj-over-assault-on-abuja-journalist/#google_vignette

https://guardian.ng/news/nrc-md-opeifa-apologises-to-nuj-over-alleged-harassment-of-nta-reporter/