Tensions are escalating between retired workers of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the corporation’s management over allegations of eviction, demolition, and sale of staff quarters despite ongoing court proceedings.
The retirees, under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Railway Senior Citizens (ANRSC), accused NRC management of deploying delay tactics to frustrate resolution of the protracted dispute.
According to a document dated April 27, 2026, a proposed tripartite meeting involving the retirees, NRC management, and other stakeholders collapsed after discussions reached a stalemate.
Chairman of the association, Mr. Segun Esan, said the retirees had removed the meeting from their engagement agenda after concluding that management was using the process to stall while pursuing alternative strategies.
On the legal front, Esan disclosed that cases relating to the dispute are pending before multiple courts. He stated that proceedings at the Court of Appeal in Lagos would resume on May 5, 2026, particularly on an application filed by the NRC seeking dismissal of the matter.
He added that a separate hearing is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at the National Industrial Court in Kano over alleged contempt arising from the sale, lease, and demolition of railway quarters.
According to the retirees, the dispute centres on the implementation of the Federal Government’s 2004 monetisationpolicy and compliance with an earlier court judgment delivered in January 2016.
The association also expressed concern over what it described as “untoward actions” by management, including eviction notices allegedly issued to retired staff.
Esan cited the case of a retiree, Mr. Michael Enejo, whose request for relocation was reportedly declined by the corporation. He also criticised an April 2026 directive by NRC management which allegedly questioned the association’s authority to represent affected retirees.
“The management’s position that our association lacks legal standing to represent members is unacceptable and undermines collective engagement,” Esan said.
He added that the association’s legal representatives remain in active engagement 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 stated.
Esan further urged members to support the legal process financially, noting that contributions towards the association’s levies had remained low.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the NRC were unsuccessful. However, a source close to the corporation’s management told The Guardian that the issues raised by the retirees were longstanding and had already been addressed in court.
The source maintained that the buildings described as staff quarters are, in fact, operational rest houses critical to 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, laboratory staff, and administrative officers stay?” the source said.
The source added that the corporation has maintained the same position before both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal.
