The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has accepted full responsibility for Tuesday’s derailment of an Abuja-Kaduna train, which left several passengers injured.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Opeifa tendered an apology to Nigerians, describing the incident as “unacceptable” and assuring that a comprehensive investigation was underway.
“As the managing director and chief executive, I take full responsibility. In safety matters, there can be no indifference. Once such an incident occurs, the chief executive must take responsibility, and I am doing so,” he stated.
Opeifa confirmed that while no lives were lost, four passengers sustained serious injuries and two others were treated and discharged. He noted that the NRC was closely monitoring the recovery of the injured as well as the psychological impact on more than 600 passengers who were on board at the time.
Labeling the incident a “near miss,” the NRC boss reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to passenger safety. He referenced the recent closure of the Warri–Itakpe line for maintenance as proof of proactive measures to safeguard operations.
On the possibility of sabotage, Opeifa declined to speculate, stressing that ongoing inquiries by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) must run their course. He, however, assured that the Kaduna corridor remains under tight security surveillance by the military and other agencies.
“The investigation will determine the cause. I will not preempt the process, as I am directly involved,” he said.
The NRC chief disclosed that reconstruction work on the damaged track would commence only after clearance from the NSIB, adding that repairs were expected to be completed within 30 days.
The derailment occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. for Kaduna, sparking panic among passengers. Service along the route has since been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.
This is the second derailment to affect the Abuja-Kaduna corridor in recent times, following a similar incident in January 2023 near Kubwa, Abuja, which recorded no casualties.
