NRC promotes mental well-being on World Safety Day
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to staff welfare and workplace safety as it joined the global community to mark the World Day for Safety and Health
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to staff welfare and workplace safety as it joined the global community to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
The Managing Director of the Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, described this year’s theme, “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organizations,” as timely and closely aligned with the operational realities of the rail sector.
He said railway operations demand high levels of concentration, coordination and endurance from workers across cadres, stressing that safety on the tracks begins with the wellbeing of those who run the system.
Opeifa addressed employees across the network, including train drivers, engineers, station officers and administrative personnel, noting that each plays a critical role in ensuring the safe movement of passengers and goods nationwide.
He highlighted the strategic importance of operations along major corridors such as Lagos to Ibadan, Abuja to Kaduna and Warri to Itakpe, as well as the narrow gauge routes including Port Harcourt to Aba and Lagos to Kano.
He added that services like the Bukuru Mass Transit Train remain integral to sustaining mobility and safety across the system.
According to him, public trust in rail transportation is rooted in the confidence that workers are well supported and able to perform their duties effectively.
He warned that stress, fatigue and poor communication could increase operational risks if not properly managed.
“A tired driver, a distracted technician, or a demoralised station officer is a risk to the entire rail system,” he said.
Opeifa said insights from internal safety forums and staff engagement sessions showed concerns over heavy workloads, irregular shift patterns, inadequate welfare facilities at remote locations and gaps in interdepartmental relations.
He said the corporation would treat psychosocial wellbeing as a central pillar of its safety framework, alongside existing physical safety measures.
"As part of our 2026 agenda, the NRC plans to improve working conditions, expand access to welfare and medical services and deepen its focus on mental health support for employees."
The managing director said the Corporation would also promote a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture, emphasising that every role, from cleaners at terminals to senior engineers, contributes to the smooth operation of railway services.
He urged workers experiencing stress or emotional challenges to seek support through supervisors, union representatives or medical personnel, stressing the importance of early intervention.
“Silence is not safety,” he said.
Opeifa called on employees to take responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment by observing rest periods, supporting colleagues and promptly reporting psychosocial risks.
“A healthy, supported workforce is how we keep the railway running safely and reliably,” Opeifa said.
He noted that safety in railway operations extends beyond infrastructure, signals and protective equipment to include the mental and emotional wellbeing of personnel.
