The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Kayode Opeifa, has apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) following public outcry over the alleged intimidation and harassment of a senior journalist, Ladi Bala, during her coverage of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.
Opeifa made the apology during a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, stating that he had “done the needful” and extended an apology as requested by the NUJ. He described the incident as unfortunate and said he was committed to maintaining cordial relations with the media.
The matter came to light after the NUJ’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council issued a strongly worded statement condemning the alleged verbal abuse and intimidation of Ladi Bala, a Transport Correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abuja, and the immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, when Bala was covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment — a story of national interest. According to the NUJ statement signed by the council’s Secretary, Mr Jide Oyekunle, Opeifa’s actions toward the journalist were seen as “unprovoked, aggressive, and a clear violation of press freedom.”
Responding to the situation, Opeifa acknowledged the concerns raised by the NUJ and confirmed that he had already offered an official apology, including one made publicly during a recent event at the Presidential Villa.
“The NUJ demanded an apology from me, and as a friend of the house, I apologise for what happened and take full responsibility,” he said.
He emphasized his long-standing relationship with the media and recalled that he had once been honoured by the NUJ FCT Council for his contributions. “I am a friend of the NUJ and other unions. I have journalist friends across the country, including a former Minister of Information and Culture. I have always been part of the struggle for press freedom and justice,” he said.
Opeifa also disclosed that since the incident, several senior journalists and media leaders had reached out to him, and he had assured them of his full cooperation and goodwill.
“Yesterday at the Villa, I did what others thought I would not do — I publicly apologised to the NUJ,” he added. “I have been in touch with several media leaders who asked for an apology, and I have given it. I am leaving the rest to God, mankind, and humanity.”
He further stressed that he would not dwell on the matter going forward, as he remains focused on his national assignment in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“My focus remains on delivering my duties effectively at the Nigerian Railway Corporation. I don’t want to dissipate further energy on this issue,” Opeifa stated.
Despite the apology, the incident has reignited conversations around journalists’ safety and their rights while on duty. Press freedom advocates have called on public officials to treat journalists with respect, especially when covering sensitive events.
Several media professionals have voiced concerns that such incidents could discourage journalists from carrying out their roles, particularly in reporting issues related to government agencies or security.
The NUJ, in its statement, had demanded a clear and public apology from the NRC boss and urged government agencies to respect the role of the media as partners in national development. The union stressed that journalists should be allowed to operate freely without intimidation, harassment, or obstruction.
Ladi Bala, a well-known figure in media circles, has yet to publicly comment on the incident. However, colleagues and supporters have expressed solidarity with her, describing her as a seasoned journalist who has always maintained professionalism in her work.
In the past, incidents involving harassment of journalists by public officials or security personnel have drawn criticism from local and international press freedom groups. Nigeria remains one of the more challenging environments for journalists in Africa, with several documented cases of press intimidation, especially during political or high-profile events.
As of now, the NUJ has not announced any further action, with many viewing the NRC MD’s apology as a welcome step toward resolving the matter. The union, however, continues to advocate for stronger protections for journalists and clearer rules of engagement for public officials when interacting with members of the press.
