The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service will resume operations this week, following comprehensive repairs and safety inspections on the damaged section of track near Asham.
In a statement released on Saturday, September 26, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed that while the exact date and schedule for resumption will be communicated in the coming days, all necessary measures have been taken to restore the rail line and rolling stock to internationally accepted safety standards.
The service had been suspended since August 26, 2025, after a derailment incident shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. The incident, which marked the second derailment at the same location in just over a year, left four passengers seriously injured and sparked concerns over infrastructure reliability.
According to the NRC, engineers and technical teams have worked “tirelessly” since the incident to ensure full restoration of the infrastructure. As part of its passenger support efforts, the Corporation has refunded 512 of the 583 passengers who were onboard the affected train, with the remaining reimbursements currently being processed.
“The NRC appreciates the patience and understanding of our esteemed passengers and assures the general public that their safety, comfort, and satisfaction remain our top priority,” the statement read. “We also acknowledge the invaluable support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, the media, and all stakeholders during this recovery period.”
Investigations into the derailment, led by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), identified key issues including poor track maintenance, a malfunctioning switch mechanism, and the use of makeshift repairs on previously damaged sleepers. The faulty automatic switch had forced manual operations using a point clip, which was later found broken, ultimately leading to the derailment.
The report also flagged broader operational concerns, such as a lack of refresher training for NRC staff and delays in sourcing critical tools and spare parts from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Despite these setbacks, the NRC says it is fully committed to restoring safe and reliable service along the vital Abuja–Kaduna corridor. NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, has publicly taken responsibility for the incident and pledged to implement stricter safety protocols going forward.
Resumption plans are now in motion, with the Corporation reaffirming its focus on safety as it prepares to welcome passengers back onboard.
