By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has identified a combination of faulty infrastructure and inadequate maintenance practices as the primary causes of the August 26, 2025, train derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. The incident occurred near Asham Station, approximately 49 kilometers from Abuja, involving train number AK1 with 618 passengers on board. While no fatalities were reported, 21 individuals sustained injuries.
Key Findings
- Defective Track Switch: The derailment transpired shortly after the train passed a manually operated track switch at Asham Station. Investigators discovered that the switch’s point clip was broken, rendering the mechanism unserviceable. This component had been previously declared faulty but was not promptly repaired.
- Compromised Track Sleepers: Some of the track sleepers damaged in a prior derailment 13 months earlier were merely patched instead of being fully replaced. This practice compromised the structural integrity of the tracks, contributing to the accident.
- Inadequate Staff Training: Personnel of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had received only initial training without formal refresher courses. This gap in training may have affected their ability to respond effectively to operational challenges.
- Defective Equipment: Critical operational and maintenance tools, including communication devices, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and clocks, were found to be defective or unserviceable. Additionally, spare parts from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) were largely inaccessible, hindering timely repairs.
Recommendations
The NSIB has issued several safety recommendations to the NRC:
- Infrastructure Overhaul: Replace all compromised track sleepers and install OEM-standard point switches along the Abuja–Kaduna route to ensure reliability and safety.
- Staff Training: Implement regular refresher training for NRC personnel to keep them updated on safety procedures and operational best practices.
- Equipment Restoration: Restore all defective monitoring and communication equipment to OEM standards to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
These recommendations aim to address the identified deficiencies and prevent future occurrences.
NRC’s Response
The NRC has acknowledged the findings and accepted responsibility for the incident. Managing Director Kayode Opeifa stated that the corporation is implementing corrective measures, including the repair of the damaged track and the restoration of services. He emphasized the NRC’s commitment to passenger safety and the restoration of public confidence in rail services.
The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, a critical component of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, has experienced multiple derailments in recent years. The NSIB’s findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive maintenance and safety reforms to ensure the reliability and safety of the nation’s rail network.
The NSIB’s final report, expected in the coming months, will provide a more detailed analysis and may include additional recommendations to further enhance rail safety in Nigeria.
