Abuja–Kaduna train service to resume soon – Opeifa
The Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode says the Abuja-Kaduna train service will resume soon as the Corporation has carried out substantial recovery and repair of the track and put in place safety efforts following the derailment of the Abuja–Kaduna train on August 26, 2025, at Asham in Kaduna State.
The Corporation confirmed that its team of engineers had successfully re-railed and recovered all coaches and locomotives involved in the incident. These assets had since been moved to designated workshops for comprehensive assessment and further technical work.
The Corporation said its team of engineers has successfully repaired the main line to a level that allows it to safely resume operations adding that while its train services will recommence, work on the secondary track will continue simultaneously.
According to the Corporation, during this period, the second line will remain out of use until all necessary repairs are fully completed.
The organization said its engineers have now commenced a comprehensive safety and infrastructure assessment to ensure that all aspects of the corridor meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and reliability before operations resume. This phase the NRC stated includes a thorough evaluation of the repaired section and other critical infrastructure along the route.
NRC emphasized that the resumption of operations will only take place after all necessary technical inspections, tests, and certifications are concluded. “Safety remains our top priority,” the Corporation stated, reaffirming its determination to restore public confidence in rail services.
On passenger welfare, it explained that out of the 618 passengers on board the affected train, 22 sustained injuries and are at various stages of recovery, adding that it has successfully contacted 512 passengers, while 71 are yet to be reached due to various reasons ranging from not responding, wrong numbers, and unavailability.
Related Posts
It said it has likewise completed an in-house investigation into the incident, with management accepting all recommendations of the internal investigation team as it awaited the outcome of the committee set up by the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, as well as the findings of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB),
It however stated that its investigation points to human error — excessive speeding and misapplication of the emergency braking system.
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, the NRC expressed deep appreciation to its passengers and the general public for their patience, support, and understanding throughout the recovery process.
The Corporation also extended gratitude to media houses for their role in providing timely and accurate updates, as well as to the security agencies for their support in ensuring the safety of recovery operations and the protection of lives and property.
It also acknowledged the support and understanding received from the office of the Honourable Minister of Transportation and the team at the FMOT saying it was also proud of the professionalism exhibited by its engineering and technical team, who have demonstrated extraordinary competence.
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment, the NRC pledged to continue delivering safe, efficient, and dependable rail transport services, in line with Nigeria’s broader transportation modernization agenda.
