Relief At Last! Abuja-Kaduna Train Service To Resume As NRC Compensates 512 Passengers

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service will resume operations next week, following the completion of repairs and safety checks on the damaged track at Asham.

The confirmation came through a statement issued on Saturday by NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, who added that the exact restart date and updated schedule will be communicated shortly.

Operations were suspended after a derailment on August 26, 2025, but the NRC said extensive restoration work had been carried out to meet international safety standards.

Refunds to Passengers

The corporation disclosed that refunds had been processed for 512 of the 583 passengers affected by the incident, with efforts underway to reach the remaining travelers.

“The NRC appreciates the patience and understanding of our esteemed passengers and assures the public that safety, comfort, and satisfaction remain our top priority,” the statement read.

The NRC also thanked the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, the media, and other stakeholders for their support during the recovery period.

The Derailment Incident

The train derailed shortly after departing Abuja at about 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna, sparking panic among passengers. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic,” with travelers scrambling for safety.

Following the incident, NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa appeared on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief (August 27), where he accepted full responsibility and confirmed that four passengers sustained serious injuries. He pledged corrective measures to prevent a recurrence.

NSIB Investigation Findings

On September 24, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) released preliminary findings, attributing the derailment to poor maintenance and a faulty track switch.

The report revealed that several damaged sleepers had been patched instead of replaced, while the switch mechanism at the crossing point was unserviceable and had been manually secured with a broken clip—ultimately compromising track integrity.

The NSIB further pointed to systemic issues within the NRC, including:

• Personnel limited to initial training without refresher courses.

• Inadequate access to maintenance tools and spare parts from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

The derailment was the second recorded at Asham station in just over a year. The bureau stressed the need for urgent reforms to improve safety and operational readiness.