NRC Boss Bows To Pressure, Apologises To NUJ After NTA Reporter’s Harassment Sparks Outrage

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has issued a public apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the alleged harassment of Ladi Bala, a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) correspondent, during coverage of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment aftermath.

The FCT Council of the NUJ had earlier condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of press freedom. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, the council demanded an unequivocal apology from the NRC boss.

Confirming the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, Opeifa said his decision to apologise was guided by his long-standing relationship with the media.

He explained:

“The NUJ demanded an apology from me, and as a friend of the house, I apologise for what happened and take full responsibility. My position is not to drag this matter because NUJ is an organisation I was once part of, fought with, fought for, and hold in high regard.”

Opeifa noted that he went beyond the NUJ’s request by publicly apologising at the Presidential Villa and reaching out to senior media leaders.

“Yesterday at the Villa, I did what many thought I would not do — I publicly apologised to the NUJ. I have also been in touch with several media leaders who reached out to me. They asked for an apology, and I gave it. The rest I leave to God, mankind, and humanity,” he stated.

While stressing that the controversy would not distract him, the NRC boss reaffirmed his friendship with the press and labour unions, noting that he still maintains strong ties with journalists across the country, including a former Minister of Information and Culture.

He added that his focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, insisting: