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NRC blames Abuja – Kaduna train derailment on over- speeding, misapplication of breaking system 

— as recovery efforts in top gear
Funso OLOJO 
Preliminary reports of investigation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) into the rail derailment on Abuja- Kaduna route which happened on August 26th, 2025 at Asham have pointed to human error of the train driver or locomotive operator.
According to the statement signed by the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, the derailment was essentially caused by “excessive speeding and misapplication of the emergency braking system”
This is however despite the findings of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the investigating committee set up by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali whose reports are still being awaited.
“While awaiting the outcome of the committee set up by the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, as well as the findings of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), we wish to state clearly that our investigation points to human error – excessive speeding and misapplication of the emergency braking system” the statement declared.
However, the Corporation has recorded a substantial progress in its recovery, repair and safety efforts in the accident site.
The NRC confirmed that its team of engineers has successfully re-railed and recovered all coaches and locomotives involved in the incident.
“These assets have since been moved to designated workshops for comprehensive assessment and further technical work.
“Our team of engineers has successfully repaired the main line to a level that allows us to safely resume operations.
“While train services will recommence, work on the secondary track will continue simultaneously.
“During this period, the second line will remain out of use until all necessary repairs are fully completed.
“The engineers have now commenced a comprehensive safety and infrastructure assessment to ensure that all aspects of the corridor meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and reliability before operations resume.
“This phase includes a thorough evaluation of the repaired section and other critical infrastructure along the route.
“NRC emphasized that the resumption of operations will only take place after all necessary technical inspections, tests, and certifications are concluded.
“Safety remains our top priority,” the Corporation stated, reaffirming its determination to restore public confidence in rail services” the Corporation stated.
Meanwhile, the NRC has also confirmed  that out of the 618 passengers on board the affected train, 22 sustained injuries and are at various stages of recovery.
“We have successfully contacted 512 passengers, while 71 are yet to be reached due to various reasons ranging from not responding, wrong numbers, and unavailability.
“We have also completed an in-house investigation into the incident, with management accepting all recommendations of the internal investigation team” the statement declared.
The Corporation stated that it would soon make an official announcement on the resumption of train services on the corridor.
“While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, the NRC expressed deep appreciation to its passengers and the general public for their patience, support, and understanding throughout the recovery process.
“The Corporation also extended gratitude to media houses for their role in providing timely and accurate updates, as well as to the security agencies for their support in ensuring the safety of recovery operations and the protection of lives and properties.
“To the security agencies, we are most appreciative of the role played during the emergency management as well as during the recovery period.
“We also acknowledge the support and understanding received from the office of the Honourable Minister of Transportation and the team at the FMOT.
“Finally, we are proud of the professionalism exhibited by our engineering and technical team, who have demonstrated extraordinary competence”
The Corporation however said it reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continued delivery of safe, efficient, and dependable rail transport services, in line with Nigeria’s broader transportation modernization agenda.
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Headlines

NRC suspends Warri- Itakpe train service over operational concerns

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of  Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) due to what the management described as operational exigency and  technical advice from  the Corporation’s Engineers.
The temporary suspension, according to a public statement by the NRC, has become necessary to enable the Corporation carry out critical operational assessments  aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor.
“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are currently ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time.
“Passengers and intending travelers will be duly informed before the end of the week on the date for the resumption of normal train operations.
“The Corporation remains committed to safe, efficient, and customer-friendly rail services across the country and appreciates the understanding, patience, and continued support of the public during this period” the NRC declared.
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Sallah: FG slashes train fares by 50 percent on all routes 

Gloria Odion, reporter 
The Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation has announced a 50 percent fare reduction on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The discount takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and will run through Monday, June 1, 2026.
Accordingly, ticket fares on all NRC passenger train services across the country have been reduced by 50 percent of the existing approved rates within the stated period.
Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50 percent rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1st, 2026.
Train schedules and timetables remain as previously advertised.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation said it appreciated the continued support of Nigerians and wishes all passengers and the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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Salah: NIWA MD threatens to wield big stick on violators of safety guidelines on waterways 

— calls for calm over Supreme Court judgement 
Funso OLOJO,Editor 
The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has issued a stern warning to boat operators across the country to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Girei gave the warning during an exclusive interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, noting that festive periods often witness increased movement on the inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities.
According to him, compliance with safety measures during the Sallah season remains non-negotiable.
He stressed that overloading of boats would not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory.
Girei also warned against night travel, alcohol consumption by operators, and disregard for weather advisories.
“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.
The NIWA Acting MD further disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.
He warned that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.
Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats attempting to operate at night.
While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithfuls, he appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.
Meanwhile, the NIWA boss advised stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.
He explained that the apex court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.
According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.
Girei therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtains the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.
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