Abuja–Kaduna Train Service Set To Resume Next Week After Repairs

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that passenger train services on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor will resume next week, a month after a derailment forced a temporary suspension.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed that repair works on the affected section of track at Asham have been completed, alongside comprehensive safety checks.

“The Corporation has worked tirelessly to ensure that both the infrastructure and rolling stock are restored to the highest safety standards in line with global best practices,” the statement read.

“Further details on the official resumption date and train schedule will be communicated in the coming days.”

The suspension followed the August 26 derailment that caused panic among passengers and disrupted the vital rail link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna. Since then, NRC said it has refunded 512 of the 583 passengers onboard the affected train, with efforts ongoing to reach and process refunds for the remaining passengers.

“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,” the statement added. The corporation also extended its gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, and other stakeholders who supported its recovery efforts.

Derailment Investigation and Safety Concerns

The August 26 incident was the second derailment at the Asham station within 13 months, raising questions about the structural integrity of the line and maintenance standards. Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with many scrambling to safety after the coaches veered off the track shortly after leaving Abuja at around 11 a.m.

NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, in an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, took full responsibility for the incident. He confirmed that four passengers sustained serious injuries and assured the public that lessons had been learned to prevent a recurrence.

On September 24, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) released preliminary findings, citing poor maintenance and a faulty track switch as key contributors to the derailment. Investigators discovered that several sleepers damaged in a previous incident had been patched rather than properly replaced.

They also reported that the automatic switch mechanism at the station’s crossing point was unserviceable at the time, requiring manual operation secured with a point clip that later failed, compromising track alignment.

The NSIB report further revealed gaps in training for NRC personnel, who had only received initial induction without refresher courses. Operational and maintenance tools, including spare parts from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), were reportedly inaccessible, a factor that likely prolonged restoration efforts.

NRC Assures Passengers of Safer Service

Following the report, NRC said it has implemented additional safety measures and carried out extensive repairs to restore confidence in the service. The corporation emphasised that its priority remains the safe transportation of passengers between Abuja and Kaduna, a route that has become one of the busiest in the country due to its convenience compared to road travel.

Industry analysts note that the resumption of operations will be welcomed by travellers, particularly those commuting for work and business. However, they stress that sustained investment in railway infrastructure and staff training will be crucial to avoid future mishaps.

With the repairs now completed, NRC says it is ready to return to full operations and is urging passengers to look out for official communication regarding timetables and ticket sales.

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