The Nigerian Railway Corporation has placed mental wellbeing at the centre of its safety agenda, warning that stress, fatigue and low morale among workers pose growing risks to railway operations nationwide.
The Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, made the position known as the corporation joined the global community to commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, aligning with this year’s theme focused on psychosocial working environments.
In a statement issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, Opeifa said the evolving nature of workplace safety demands a shift beyond physical hazards to include mental and emotional wellbeing.
Addressing workers across the corporation’s nationwide operations, including the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna and Warri-Itakpe standard gauge lines, as well as narrow gauge routes, the NRC boss stressed that employee welfare is directly tied to passenger safety.
“Nigerians trust us to move them safely, and that trust begins with how safe and supported we feel at work,” he said.
Opeifa noted that the pressures of railway operations, long shifts, night duties and strict scheduling demands, have heightened stress levels among staff, warning that such conditions could compromise safety if left unaddressed.
“A tired driver, a distracted technician, or a demoralised station officer is a risk to the entire rail system,” he said.
He revealed that concerns raised during internal engagements, including heavy workloads, irregular shifts, limited welfare facilities at remote stations and strained interdepartmental relations, have prompted management to adopt a more holistic safety approach.
According to him, psychosocial safety will now form a core component of the corporation’s broader operational strategy.
As part of its 2026 agenda, Opeifa said the NRC would improve working conditions, strengthen staff welfare systems and promote a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture across all levels of the organisation.
He added that access to medical and welfare support would be expanded, with greater attention given to mental health services, urging workers experiencing emotional or psychological strain to seek help promptly.
“Silence is not safety,” he said, calling on employees to report concerns early through supervisors, union representatives or designated support channels.
The NRC boss also urged staff to take personal responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment by observing rest periods, supporting colleagues and treating psychosocial risks with the same urgency as physical threats.
“Safety on the railway is not just about tracks and equipment; it is about people,” he stated.
He linked workforce wellbeing to broader national goals, noting that a healthy and motivated workforce is critical to sustaining reliable rail services and maintaining public confidence.
Opeifa said the corporation’s renewed focus reflects a growing recognition that modern safety systems must address both physical and psychological factors to ensure long-term operational efficiency.
The commemoration, he added, marks a turning point for the NRC as it embraces a more comprehensive approach to safety, one that places people at the heart of performance and service delivery.