Reps Train Derailment Probe begins as House Committee summons NRC and CCECC over Kaduna-bound train crash that injured seven passengers
The accident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, left seven people injured and raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s rail safety standards.
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The affected train, consisting of 10 coaches, derailed along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, a route that has seen millions of naira invested in recent years.
Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Blessing Onuh, speaking to The PUNCH, described the recurring nature of train incidents in Nigeria as “embarrassing and unacceptable.”
“Rail transportation remains one of the safest modes of travel globally. In many countries, train mishaps are extremely rare.
Why are ours becoming frequent just a few years after launching?” she asked.
Onuh, who represents Ohimini/Otukpo Federal Constituency of Benue State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the committee would “demand answers” from all parties involved, especially the contractors and operators of the rail network.
“The Committee on Land Transport will, in the coming days, summon the NRC, CCECC, and other key stakeholders.
We need assurances that safety will be prioritised and that such lapses will not happen again,” she said.
She also emphasised that the probe will focus on:
- Maintenance protocols
- Safety standards
- Emergency response preparedness
- Contractor accountability
Onuh offered condolences to the victims of the derailment, assuring them that the House is committed to a thorough investigation.
“Enough is enough. We will get to the root of this and ensure the system is fixed.”
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has since commenced its investigation. Onuh urged the Bureau to expedite its findings and issue practical safety recommendations.
“We call on the NSIB to leave no stone unturned. The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable,” she concluded.
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The House of Representatives had earlier faced public criticism over perceived inaction on recurring train mishaps, making this Reps Train Derailment Probe a crucial step in restoring public confidence.
