The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has blamed poor maintenance and operational lapses for the recent Abuja–Kaduna train derailment that left at least 50 passengers injured.
According to the NSIB’s preliminary report, the incident, which occurred on August 26, 2025, at the Asham Station section of the rail line, was partly caused by unreplaced damaged sleepers and faulty point switch mechanisms.
The bureau revealed this was the second derailment at the same station in just over a year.
Investigators also found that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) relied on outdated equipment, deferred repairs, and staff who had no refresher training.
Critical safety tools, including CCTV cameras and communication systems, were also unserviceable at the time of the accident.
The bureau recommended immediate replacement of defective sleepers and switches with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, restoration of communication and monitoring equipment, and refresher training for NRC personnel to avert future accidents.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, announced that the Kano–Maradi rail line will reach Katsina by December 2025 and be fully completed in March 2027.
He also highlighted ongoing transport infrastructure projects, including new bus terminals across six states and the expansion of rail and port operations to ease congestion and improve connectivity.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, added that a new national marine policy is in motion to integrate rail, road, barge, and pipeline systems, reduce logistics costs, and boost trade competitiveness.
Despite these efforts, experts and stakeholders maintain that without a comprehensive national transport policy, Nigeria’s dream of safe, efficient, and modern mobility may remain elusive.