NSIB Probes Abuja–Kaduna Train Derailment
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has blamed poor maintenance culture and a faulty track switch for last week’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment at Asham Station, which left 21 passengers injured.
The passenger train, carrying 618 people, derailed when a defective point clip broke during manual switching, causing the tracks to misalign.
Investigators also discovered that several railway sleepers along the corridor had long been damaged but were merely patched instead of being properly replaced.
Findings of the NSIB
In its preliminary report, the NSIB highlighted a series of lapses, including:
* Non-functional automatic track switches, forcing operators to rely on manual procedures
* Defective monitoring and communication systems such as CCTV cameras and station clocks.
* Lack of refresher training for railway personnel after initial induction.
* Inadequate access to proper tools and OEM spare parts for maintenance staff.
The bureau further noted that this was the second derailment at Asham Station in 13 months, raising questions about the safety and structural integrity of Nigeria’s busiest rail corridor.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) acknowledged the report and assured the public that urgent steps were being taken to address the safety concerns.
NRC spokesperson Mahmood Yakubu said the corporation had already commenced replacement of worn-out sleepers and was in talks with original equipment manufacturers to source genuine spare parts.
“We take the NSIB’s recommendations seriously. Passenger safety remains our top priority, and we are working round the clock to restore confidence in our rail services,” Yakubu stated.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation also expressed concern over the recurrence of derailments along the Abuja–Kaduna line.
Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, directed the NRC to implement the NSIB’s recommendations without delay, stressing that “the safety of commuters cannot be compromised.”
He further disclosed that the Government was considering a comprehensive safety audit of all rail corridors nationwide to prevent similar incidents.
Though no fatalities were recorded, many passengers described the incident as a frightening experience.
One survivor told Global Mirror News: “The train shook violently before coming off the track. People screamed and rushed for safety, fearing it might be another attack like the one in 2022.”
The NSIB has called for immediate replacement of compromised sleepers, restoration of defective safety systems, refresher training for staff, and full inspection of locomotives, coaches, and track alignments.
It emphasized that its findings are preliminary, with a final report expected after detailed forensic analysis and review of operational logs.
