NRC Boss Takes Responsibility, Apologises For Abuja–Kaduna Train Derailment

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has apologised to Nigerians over Tuesday’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment, declaring that he takes full responsibility for the incident.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Wednesday, Opeifa assured that the investigation would be conducted with transparency and thoroughness.

“Beyond apologising to Nigerians, I want to state clearly that as the Managing Director and Chief Executive, I take full responsibility. When it comes to safety, there is no room for indifference. Once something like this happens, the chief executive must own it—and I do,” he said.

Opeifa confirmed that while there were no fatalities, four passengers sustained serious injuries, while two others were treated and discharged immediately. He added that all 618 passengers on board would be followed up for possible post-traumatic effects.

“This was a near miss. For this kind of incident, fatalities are often recorded, but we thank God there were none,” he said.

The NRC boss further assured that measures were being put in place to prevent a recurrence, noting that the corporation had earlier shut down the Warri–Itakpe line for safety reasons to allow for major track repairs.

On possible sabotage, Opeifa said it would be “premature” to draw conclusions, stressing that the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) was leading the probe. He however noted that the tracks were under constant surveillance by the military, adding that the swift deployment of the Air Force and Army after the incident demonstrated the level of security along the corridor.

Regarding reopening the Abuja–Kaduna line, Opeifa said work would only commence after the NSIB declares the site open for reconstruction.

“From the time they clear the site, I don’t see us spending more than 30 days on reconstruction,” he explained.

The derailment, which occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday shortly after departure from Abuja, forced passengers into a chaotic scramble for safety. Services on the route have since been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Opeifa dismissed claims that the trains were unfit for service and confirmed that refunds had already been initiated for all passengers.

The Abuja–Kaduna line has experienced derailments before, including one near Kubwa in January 2023, though no casualties were recorded in that incident.