The Federal Government has appointed Mr. Ben Iloanusi as acting Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).This follows the retirement of Engr Fidet Okhiria, who led the corporation for eight years.
Okhiria completed his second term of four years as NRC MD last Friday and retired the same day, having joined the corporation in 1987 as a pupil engineer, rising through the ranks to the top.
He handed over to the new helmsman on Friday, according to a statement obtained on Sunday from the spokesman for the corporation, Mr. Yakub Mahmood, a deputy director.
Part of the statement read, “The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation Engr F.E Okhiria handed over duties and responsibilities after completing his 2nd four-year term of the office successfully last Friday to the most senior director of the corporation, Mr Ben Iloanusi.
“The outgoing MD during the handing over ceremony commended the management and staff of the corporation for the cooperation and understanding extended to him during his tenure, which according to the former NRC boss was the bedrock of his success in running the affairs of the corporation.
“Engineer Okhiria enjoined the management and staff of the corporation to extend same cooperation and understanding to the incoming acting MD.”
The statement added that Iloanusi until his new appointment was the director of procurement for the corporation.
“He is a graduate of Political science from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and (holds) MBA in International Management from the South Bank University London.
“Mr Iloanusi joined the Nigerian Railway Corporation in 2011 as the Deputy Director, Procurement before rising to the post of the Director of Procurement in 2019.”
The acting MD in his acceptance during the handing over event last Friday solicited the cooperation of the staff and management of the NRC to be extended to him more than that of his predecessor.
He welcomed constructive advice and criticisms that could move the corporation forward during his tenure.
The ceremony was described as highly emotional where testimonies were made acknowledging the vast experience, patience, compassion and fatherly role of the former MD.
