Senate Probes Incessant Rail Failures, Surge in Derailments
The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into the growing number of train derailments and system failures across the country’s rail network.
The upper chamber’s decision followed a motion highlighting recent accidents, including derailments along the Warri–Itakpe corridor in Delta State and the Abuja–Kaduna line, which have raised widespread concerns about passenger safety and the state of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.
An ad-hoc committee chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole has been constituted to lead the probe and is expected to submit its findings within six weeks.
The committee’s mandate includes examining the condition of rail infrastructure nationwide, assessing the quality of materials used in ongoing projects, and investigating the causes of recurring derailments.
Lawmakers also directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to take immediate steps to address the technical faults and operational lapses contributing to the accidents.
In a recent report, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) attributed the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment to infrastructure decay and operational negligence.
The Senate’s motion stressed the need to prevent future incidents through stricter oversight, better maintenance practices, and accountability for contractors and agencies involved in rail projects.
There are concerns that vandalism, poor maintenance, and the use of substandard imported components have contributed significantly to the failures, despite the country’s massive investments in railway modernization.
The Senate’s investigation is expected to cover financial and contractual aspects of Nigeria’s rail projects, including those executed under foreign loan arrangements.
Observers note that the outcome of the probe could have far-reaching implications for transport policy, safety regulations, and public confidence in the rail sector, which has been central to the federal government’s infrastructure development agenda.
The committee’s report, once submitted, is expected to propose measures to enhance safety, strengthen maintenance systems, and improve the reliability of Nigeria’s rail transport network.
