Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over the state of Nigeria’s railway system after a passenger train derailed on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor, injuring several passengers on Tuesday morning.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that six people were hurt in the accident that occurred at kilometre 49, between Kubwa Station and Asham Station, though no deaths were recorded.
Reacting to the development via his official X account, Atiku stressed the need for urgent reforms in the country’s transport sector, particularly the railway system which millions of Nigerians rely on.
“I am deeply concerned about the derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train on Tuesday, which resulted in injuries to at least 14 passengers. It is a relief that there were no fatalities, but this incident underscores the urgent need for action,” he said.
He further appealed to the Federal Government to provide honest updates on the investigation and ensure safety protocols are upgraded across the board. “We need transparent updates and a commitment to strengthening safety protocols that will restore public confidence in our rail infrastructure system,” he added.
In response, the Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, disclosed that a high-level committee has been constituted to probe the derailment. The committee is expected to recommend preventive measures to avert future occurrences and improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s rail services.
Frontpagenews.ng reports that NSIB has already deployed investigators to the scene of the derailment to gather data, interact with stakeholders, and begin forensic analysis on the cause of the accident.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail service, once celebrated as a safer alternative to road travel, has over time been plagued by security concerns and infrastructural lapses. This derailment further intensifies debates over the adequacy of government investment in rail infrastructure.
