The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has unveiled a major welfare and capacity-building initiative for its staff on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), announcing a four-day mandatory refresher training program alongside a landmark 95 per cent salary increase to be implemented before the end of 2025.
This development is being hailed as a significant milestone for the corporation, which has faced years of criticism over worker welfare, service efficiency, and passenger safety. The NRC’s latest move underscores its commitment to improving both staff motivation and service delivery on one of Nigeria’s busiest train corridors.
Details of the Training Program
The NRC management explained that the four-day refresher training will involve all staff deployed to the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service, from drivers and engineers to ticketing officers, safety personnel, and customer service representatives.
According to the corporation, the training will cover a range of critical modules:
- Safety and Security Awareness: Staff will undergo intensive drills and lectures on handling emergencies, responding to security threats, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies.
- Customer Service and Passenger Relations: The sessions will emphasize professionalism, communication skills, and efficiency in addressing passenger needs.
- Technical and Operational Excellence: Engineers, drivers, and maintenance crews will be updated on the latest operational standards, signaling systems, and rolling stock maintenance.
- Crisis Response: Staff will be trained to manage disruptions such as breakdowns, delays, or accidents with minimum impact on passengers.
The refresher course, NRC officials say, will be conducted in batches to avoid service disruptions on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.
The 95% Salary Increase
Beyond training, the NRC’s announcement of a 95 per cent salary increment has drawn widespread attention. The pay rise, which is scheduled to take effect before the end of 2025, will almost double the wages of workers.
For years, railway employees in Nigeria have complained of poor remuneration compared to counterparts in aviation and road transport sectors. Analysts say this increase is aimed at boosting staff morale, reducing attrition, and discouraging corruption within the system.
Mr. Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director of the NRC, described the salary increment as “a long-overdue recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of railway workers.”
“Our staff are the backbone of rail transport in Nigeria. The Abuja–Kaduna Train Service has become a lifeline for many commuters, and it is only fair that those who keep it running are adequately rewarded. This salary adjustment is about fairness, motivation, and retaining talent in the sector,” Okhiria said.
Why This Move Matters
The Abuja–Kaduna Train Service is arguably Nigeria’s most strategic passenger rail corridor. Launched in 2016, it provides a critical transport alternative between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna, especially in light of security challenges on the Abuja–Kaduna highway.
However, the service has faced several challenges:
- Security Incidents: In 2022, a major attack on an Abuja–Kaduna train led to fatalities, kidnappings, and widespread fear among commuters.
- Operational Inefficiencies: Passengers have often complained of delays, ticket racketeering, and poor customer service.
- Worker Discontent: NRC employees have staged strikes in the past over unpaid allowances and poor welfare.
By investing in staff training and significantly improving salaries, the NRC aims to address these challenges head-on and rebuild public confidence in the system.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Rail Sector
The NRC’s initiative goes beyond the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. Analysts say it could set a precedent for improved standards across Nigeria’s growing rail network, which includes the Lagos–Ibadan line, the Warri–Itakpe service, and planned new routes.
- Boosting Staff Morale Nationwide: If the salary increase is implemented successfully for Abuja–Kaduna staff, pressure will mount to extend it to workers across other corridors.
- Strengthening Passenger Confidence: Well-trained, well-paid staff are more likely to deliver efficient, secure, and customer-friendly services, encouraging more Nigerians to embrace rail travel.
- Reducing Ticket Racketeering: By improving pay, the NRC reduces the temptation for staff to engage in illegal practices like overcharging or hoarding tickets.
- Setting International Benchmarks: With better-trained staff, Nigeria can begin to align its railway operations with global standards.
Stakeholder Reactions
Workers’ Unions
Railway unions have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a victory for workers who have endured years of low pay. However, some union leaders have urged the NRC to ensure that the promised increment is implemented transparently and without delays.
Passengers
Many passengers expressed optimism that improved staff welfare and training would lead to better service delivery. Regular commuters said they hoped the measures would reduce ticket racketeering and enhance safety on the line.
Industry Experts
Transportation analysts view the move as timely. Dr. Adebayo Fashola, a transportation economist, noted:
“You cannot expect world-class services from workers who are poorly trained and poorly paid. The NRC’s decision to combine training with wage reform is a smart strategy. The key now is implementation and sustainability.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, there are concerns about funding and sustainability.
- Financing the Salary Increase: A 95 per cent salary increment represents a huge budgetary obligation. Experts warn that without adequate funding from government or increased revenue generation, the NRC may struggle to sustain the wage structure.
- Corruption and Leakages: Unless the NRC tackles internal inefficiencies, higher salaries alone may not solve issues like ticket racketeering.
- Security Threats: Even with better training, the Abuja–Kaduna corridor remains vulnerable to external threats such as terrorism and banditry.
- Scaling Across the Network: The NRC must find ways to extend similar reforms to other train routes without creating disparities among staff.
The Road Ahead
To make the most of this initiative, experts recommend:
- Transparent Implementation: Ensure that the 95 per cent salary increase is delivered on time and fairly across all affected staff.
- Regular Training Programs: The four-day refresher training should be institutionalized as part of a continuous capacity-building strategy.
- Stronger Security Collaboration: Work closely with security agencies to protect the Abuja–Kaduna route from future threats.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Combine human capacity development with improved infrastructure for maximum efficiency.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Railway Corporation’s announcement of a mandatory refresher training program and a landmark 95 per cent salary increase for Abuja–Kaduna Train Service staff marks a bold step toward transforming the nation’s railway sector.
For staff, it is a long-awaited recognition of their contributions. For passengers, it signals a renewed commitment to safety, efficiency, and better service delivery. For Nigeria as a whole, it represents another step toward building a modern, reliable railway system that can support economic growth and provide safe alternatives to road travel.
The success of this initiative will depend on transparent implementation, adequate funding, and the ability of the NRC to sustain reforms in the long term. If done right, this could become the turning point for Nigeria’s railways—restoring trust, boosting worker morale, and delivering the world-class service Nigerians deserve.
