The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, has issued a public apology for verbally harassing journalist Ladi Bala during her coverage of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.
Bala, a correspondent with the Nigeria Television Authority and former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, was reporting from the scene when the incident occurred.
The derailment, which happened on August 26, involved a train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna and resulted in several coaches toppling off the tracks.
The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists had condemned Opeifa’s conduct and demanded a formal apology.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, the NRC MD described his remarks against the journalist as “regrettable”, saying he was under pressure while managing the situation.
“I wish to sincerely apologise for the regrettable remarks I made, which were directed at a seasoned journalist and reflected poorly on the NUJ FCT and NAWOJ,” he said.
“Acting under pressure and in the heat of the moment while trying to ensure safety, I uttered some unkind words for which I take full responsibility.”
Opeifa named Bala as the ambassador for media advocacy.
“To her, I offer my fullest apology. I also extend the same to the NTA, NAWOJ, and the wider journalism community. I have fought alongside journalists before; I am not their enemy,” the MD said.
“The media remain our partners, not adversaries. We will deepen collaboration with the NUJ, NAWOJ, and civil society to promote transparency and public trust.”
He said the crash involved one locomotive and eight coaches, creating intense pressure on his team to manage rescue operations, brief the presidency and the public, and trigger emergency measures simultaneously.
Opeifa said the corporation’s updated emergency plan was activated immediately, bringing in agencies such as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the National Emergency Management Agency, the federal ministry of health, the Kaduna state government, the FCT administration, and the Nigerian military.
The MD said 618 passengers were on board during the derailment, seven coaches and the locomotive were wrecked, and about 20 passengers were injured, seven of them seriously.
Grace Ike, NUJ FCT chair, said the union will continue to demand a free press and resist intimidation.
“We will persist in fighting for our members’ rights and freedom of speech, which is a right, not a privilege,” she said.
She expressed satisfaction with the apology, saying every form of harassment of journalists must be dismantled.
