Abuja-Kaduna rail disruptions temporary, not due to neglect — NRC

Reconnected Abuja-Kaduna train line

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The Nigerian Railway Corporation has assured passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service that recent disruptions on the route are temporary and not a result of neglect or indifference.

NRC, in a statement signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, on Tuesday, noted, “We appreciate the passion, concern, and sense of national responsibility expressed. These are genuine sentiments shared by a concerned customer and patriotic Nigerians. We value all our customers and take every feedback seriously.”

Describing the corridor as a major component of Nigeria’s rail revival, the Corporation said, “As rightly noted, the Abuja-Kaduna corridor is a flagship service of the nation’s modern railway revival. It is therefore understandable that any disruption, no matter how minimal, is widely felt.”

It further acknowledged the inconvenience caused to commuters following an incident in August, stating, “We acknowledge the discomfort experienced by our numerous commuters who have had to bear the reduction in services caused by the August 26 incident, which damaged our flagship Diesel Multiple Unit rolling stock. We regret the inconveniences this has caused.”

According to the NRC, the current reduction in service frequency is due to two major setbacks.

On the first, the Corporation recalled, “The first is the March 2022 terrorist attack, which led to the loss of precious lives and caused severe trauma. In response, the Corporation prioritised safety, redesigned operating procedures, restricted late trips, and strengthened security collaborations with the Armed Forces and the Police to prevent a recurrence.”

On the second challenge, it said, “The second is the recent derailment incident, which damaged several coaches and reduced the number of serviceable rolling stock available for daily operations. Repairs and refurbishment are ongoing with urgency, alongside arrangements for the deployment of additional coaches to restore normal frequency as soon as possible.”

Reassuring passengers, the NRC stressed that, “These challenges do not represent a decline in our commitment. They reflect a phase of recovery, restoration, and rebuilding.”

The Corporation also highlighted the Federal Government’s support, stating, “The Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated strong support for strengthening rail infrastructure nationwide, and the Honourable Minister of Transport is consistently engaged with the Corporation to fast-track full restoration.”

On ongoing efforts, the NRC disclosed that, “Damaged coaches are currently undergoing repairs and certification for safe return to service. Alternative rolling stock is being considered for temporary reinforcement where technically feasible. Security enhancement across the corridor continues to receive top priority.”

It added that, “The full restoration of multiple daily trips remains a foremost operational target.”

Appealing to passengers, the Corporation said, “We respectfully appeal for continued understanding and patience as we work tirelessly to return the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service to its full schedule. We are confident that passengers will witness progressive improvement and, ultimately, the complete normalisation of services as the restoration process advances.”

Recall that in March 2022, a train on the Abuja–Kaduna route was attacked by suspected bandits in the Katari–Rijana area of Kaduna State, leading to fatalities, injuries, and a suspension of the service. Although operations later resumed after repairs and security reviews, the incident badly shook public confidence, with many passengers becoming increasingly wary due to persistent insecurity in the region.

Beyond security threats, the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service has also been affected by long-standing challenges linked to poor maintenance, ageing infrastructure, and safety lapses across Nigeria’s rail system. Between 2020 and 2022 alone, records indicate that 183 derailments were recorded nationwide, highlighting systemic weaknesses in rail operations and infrastructure management.

These concerns resurfaced on 26 August 2025, when services on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor were again suspended following a derailment at Asham Station that damaged several coaches and key track components.

The Asham derailment, occurring little over a year after a similar incident at the same location, further intensified questions about maintenance standards and safety enforcement on the route.

Princess, has three years journalism experience covering entertainment, including radio and TV and recently aviation and transport with Punch Newspapers

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