NRC prioritises mental well-being, workplace safety

The Nigerian Railway Corporation 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.

In a statement signed by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the Managing Director of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, described this year’s theme, “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations”, as timely and relevant to its operations.

Addressing workers across the country, including train drivers and administrative personnel, Opeifa highlighted the demanding nature of railway operations and the shared responsibility of employees in ensuring passenger safety.

According to the statement, workers across standard gauge routes such as Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, and Warri-Itakpe, as well as narrow gauge lines including Port Harcourt-Aba, Lagos-Kano, Lagos-Ogun, and Jos-Kuru, play critical roles in maintaining safety across the rail network.

“Nigerians trust us to move them safely, and that trust begins with how safe and supported we feel at work,” the statement added.

Opeifa acknowledged the physical and mental strain associated with railway operations, including long shifts, night duties, and pressure to maintain strict schedules, warning that stress, fatigue, and poor communication could heighten safety risks.

“A tired driver, a distracted technician, or a demoralised station officer is a risk to the entire rail system,” he noted.

The NRC boss also referenced feedback from internal safety forums and staff engagement sessions, where workers raised concerns about heavy workloads, irregular shift patterns, inadequate welfare facilities at remote stations, and poor interdepartmental relations.

He said psychosocial safety would now form a key part of the corporation’s broader safety strategy.

As part of its 2026 action plan, Opeifa said management would improve working conditions and support employee well-being while fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.

The statement added that the corporation plans to expand access to staff welfare and medical services, with greater emphasis on mental health support, urging employees facing emotional challenges to seek help through appropriate channels.

“Silence is not safety,” he emphasised.

He also called on workers to take personal responsibility for promoting a safer work environment by looking out for one another, respecting rest periods, and reporting psychosocial risks promptly.

“Safety on the railway isn’t just about tracks, signals, and protective equipment; it’s about people,” the statement read.

The statement noted that prioritising the mental and physical well-being of workers would strengthen service delivery and sustain public confidence in rail transport.

“A healthy, supported workforce is how we keep NRC running safely, reliably, and proudly,” Opeifa stated.

The corporation added that the commemoration highlights the growing importance of mental health and psychosocial factors in workplace safety, signalling a shift towards more holistic safety practices.