Tension is escalating between retired employees of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the agency's management over allegations of eviction, demolition, and sale of staff quarters, even as court proceedings continue.
The retirees, organized under the Association of Nigerian Railway Senior Citizens (ANRSC), accuse NRC management of using delay tactics to sidestep critical issues. A document obtained by The Guardian, dated April 27, 2026, indicates that a proposed tripartite meeting involving the union, NRC management, and other stakeholders was abandoned due to a deadlock.
Union Removes Meeting from Agenda
Segun Esan, Chairman of the ANRSC, stated that the association removed the tripartite meeting from its engagement dashboard after concluding that management was using it as a delaying tactic while formulating strategies.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Esan revealed that multiple court cases are active. The Court of Appeal in Lagos will hear the NRC's dismissal application on May 5, 2026. Another hearing is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at the National Industrial Court in Kano, concerning alleged contempt over the sale, lease, and demolition of railway quarters.
The disputes center on the implementation of the Federal Government's 2004 monetization policy and compliance with a January 2016 court judgment. The association also raised concerns about eviction notices served to retired staff. Esan highlighted the case of Mr. Michael Enejo, a retiree whose relocation request was rejected.
Management's Position Criticized
Esan criticized a directive issued by NRC management in April 2026, which dismissed the association's role in representing affected retirees. He stated, "The management's position that our association lacks legal standing to represent members is unacceptable and undermines collective engagement."
Regarding legal strategy, Esan said the association's counsel is engaging with NRC leadership. "Our lawyers have continued robust and constructive engagement with the NRC Managing Director, and appropriate responses have been made. Events in the coming days will further clarify our position," the document added. He called on members to financially support the litigation, noting low compliance with association levies.
NRC Management's Response
Attempts to obtain a response from the NRC were unsuccessful. The Chief Public Relations Officer, Calistus Unyimadu, did not respond to calls or messages. However, an unnamed source close to NRC management stated that the issues are longstanding and have been addressed in court.
The source explained that staff quarters are operational rest houses essential for railway services. "Except we all agree that the railway should no longer operate, it would be difficult to monetise the houses because where would drivers, mechanics, lab staff and administrative officers stay? This position has been argued at both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal."
The corporation dismissed allegations of indiscriminate sale or demolition, insisting that all railway lands are federally gazetted and cannot be sold outright. Any demolition follows due process, with the source stressing, "any inch of land you see demolished must be because its acquisition has been revoked and possession taken by the corporation."
While acknowledging some underhand deals, NRC maintained these involve vacant land under lease, not existing staff quarters. The source insisted no railway land could be illegally obtained, as all is protected under federal law.
