The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opifa, has tendered an unreserved apology to Hajia Ladi Bala, a respected veteran journalist, former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and long-serving Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) transport correspondent, following what has been widely condemned as an unprovoked verbal attack during a recent visit to the site of the Kaduna train accident.

The altercation occurred last week when Dr. Opifa led a high-powered NRC delegation to Kaduna to inspect the wreckage of the ill-fated passenger train that suffered a head-on collision in circumstances many security analysts now describe as sabotage. At the crash site, journalists covering the investigation sought clarifications from the NRC boss on issues ranging from safety lapses to the persistent threat of vandalisation of railway infrastructure. It was in this charged atmosphere that Dr. Opifa reportedly directed sharp and unguarded remarks at Hajia Ladi, who had asked probing questions about the corporation’s level of preparedness in safeguarding train operations.

Eyewitnesses described the outburst as “unprovoked and deeply disrespectful,” particularly given Hajia Ladi’s long track record as one of the most seasoned voices on transport reporting in Nigeria. The incident immediately drew criticism from colleagues in the media, gender advocates, and members of the public who argued that such behavior from the chief executive of a national institution was unbecoming and risked undermining press freedom.

Faced with mounting backlash, Dr. Opifa moved swiftly to repair the damage. In a signed statement released in Abuja, he expressed regret and took full responsibility for his conduct:

“I wish to tender my sincere and unreserved apology to Hajia Ladi, the leadership of NAWOJ, the Nigerian Television Authority, and the entire journalism community. My remarks during the Kaduna inspection were unmeasured, unfortunate, and not reflective of the high regard I hold for journalists as partners in national progress. I assure Nigerians and the press that such an incident will not repeat itself.”

Dr. Opifa further emphasised that his priority remains strengthening the safety and credibility of Nigeria’s railway system, and called on the media to continue serving as allies in the task of safeguarding critical infrastructure.

The apology has been welcomed, though not without reservations. NAWOJ leadership described the apology as “a positive first step” but urged the NRC to back words with concrete commitments to openness, transparency, and respect for journalists in the line of duty. The NTA acknowledged the statement but stressed the importance of ensuring that its correspondents and field officers are accorded the dignity and protection they deserve while performing their professional responsibilities. Civil society and media rights groups seized on the episode to highlight the rising hostility journalists face in Nigeria, even in situations where their work directly contributes to public accountability and safety.

The Kaduna train crash itself has re-ignited debate about Nigeria’s railway safety architecture. Analysts insist the accident bore the hallmarks of deliberate sabotage, pointing to recent patterns of vandalisation, theft of critical components, and the complicity of some villagers living along the rail corridors who allegedly shelter criminals targeting railway operations. Calls have intensified for heightened surveillance, community profiling, and closer collaboration between security agencies and local leaders to address the growing menace. For many, the incident and its aftermath underscore why dialogue between the NRC, journalists, and communities must be conducted with civility and mutual respect.

By extending his apology, Dr. Opifa seeks not only to mend his personal relationship with Hajia Ladi but also to shift the national conversation back to the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s railway sector. With billions invested in rail modernization and passenger traffic steadily rising, the corporation faces immense pressure to guarantee safety, accountability, and service excellence. Stakeholders now hope that this apology marks the beginning of a new chapter in the NRC’s engagement with the media, where transparency and professionalism replace tension and mistrust.