Abuja, Nigeria — September 22, 2025
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed the August 26 Abuja–Kaduna train derailment to human error and excessive speed, following the completion of its internal investigation.
The incident, which occurred at the Asham accident site along the busy Abuja–Kaduna corridor, left 22 passengers injured out of 618 on board. Though there were no fatalities, the derailment raised widespread safety concerns about the nation’s railway operations.
Findings From the Investigation
In a statement released on Monday, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa confirmed that the accident was caused primarily by the failure of the train operator to regulate speed, coupled with the misapplication of the emergency braking system.
“The immediate cause of the derailment was excessive speed, compounded by human error in handling the emergency brakes,” Opeifa explained.
He noted that NRC management has accepted the recommendations of its in-house technical panel, which conducted the inquiry, and pledged to implement corrective safety measures across its operations.
Recovery and Repairs
The NRC said all affected locomotives and coaches have been re-railed and moved to workshops for detailed inspection and repairs.
- The main track along the accident zone has been restored to a safe operational condition.
- The secondary line remains closed pending full reconstruction.
In addition, NRC engineers have launched a comprehensive safety and infrastructure audit of the Abuja–Kaduna corridor to ensure long-term reliability and minimize risks of future accidents.
Oversight and Pending Reports
While the NRC has concluded its internal review, its findings are subject to further evaluation by:
- The Ministerial Committee on Railway Safety, set up by Transport Minister Senator Sa’idu Alkali.
- The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which is conducting an independent probe.
An official date for the resumption of full passenger services on the Abuja–Kaduna line will be announced once these reviews are finalized.
Passenger Communication
The NRC disclosed that it has successfully contacted 512 of the 618 passengers who were on board at the time of the derailment. Some passengers could not be reached due to incorrect phone numbers, lack of response, or unavailability.
The corporation expressed appreciation to passengers, the media, security agencies, and the Ministry of Transportation for their cooperation during the rescue and recovery operations.
Wider Implications
The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, commissioned in 2016, remains one of Nigeria’s busiest and most strategic transport links. The recent derailment has reignited debates about rail safety, staff training, and infrastructure maintenance.
Analysts say the NRC’s admission of human error underscores the urgent need for enhanced monitoring systems, stricter compliance with safety standards, and retraining of operators to prevent future accidents.