Abuja–Kaduna Train Service Set to Resume This Week — NRC
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that passenger train services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor will resume this week, after completing repairs and safety checks on the Asham track section where last month’s derailment occurred.
In a statement on Saturday, September 26, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the exact resumption date and schedule would be released in the coming days, assuring that both the tracks and rolling stock had been restored to global safety standards.
The service was suspended following the August 26 derailment, which left four passengers seriously injured. Since then, the NRC said it has worked “tirelessly” to restore the line and ensure passenger safety.
As part of its recovery efforts, the corporation disclosed that refunds have been issued to 512 of the 583 passengers on the affected train, with payments for the remaining passengers underway.
“The NRC appreciates the patience and understanding of our esteemed passengers and assures the general public that their safety, comfort, and satisfaction remain our top priority. We also acknowledge the invaluable support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, the media, and all stakeholders during this period of recovery,” the statement read.
The derailment, which occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m., was the second incident at the same station in 13 months. Investigations by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) linked the accident to poor maintenance and a faulty track switch.
Preliminary findings revealed that damaged sleepers were inadequately patched, while the automatic switch mechanism at the crossing point was unserviceable, forcing workers to rely on a point clip that later failed. The NSIB also cited gaps in refresher training for NRC staff and difficulties in accessing spare parts from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, publicly took responsibility for the incident, pledging reforms to strengthen operational safety.
Despite these challenges, the corporation says resumption plans are now in place, with a renewed commitment to safeguarding passengers as operations return on the critical Abuja–Kaduna route.
