Kaduna-Bound Train Derailment: NSIB Faults NRC Over Negligence

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has raised alarm over recurring safety lapses on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, blaming poor maintenance and lack of refresher training at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for the latest derailment that left 21 passengers injured.

In its preliminary report released Wednesday, the Bureau said train number AK1, carrying 618 passengers, derailed on August 26, 2025, shortly after passing the Asham Station switch point in Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

NSIB noted that the incident was the second derailment at Asham in just over a year, exposing deeper structural and operational problems.

“Some track sleepers damaged during the previous derailment were only patched, not replaced,” the report stated. It added that the station’s automatic switch mechanism was out of service, forcing staff to operate it manually with a broken point clip.

The Bureau also faulted NRC for not providing refresher training to staff, leaving personnel with only initial training, while essential operational tools and spare parts were unavailable. Safety devices, including CCTV cameras and clocks, remained unserviceable.

NSIB warned that the lapses posed “serious risks to passenger safety” and urged the NRC to:

• Replace all damaged sleepers along the route.

• Install genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for point switches.

• Introduce regular refresher training for railway staff.

The Abuja–Kaduna route is one of Nigeria’s busiest passenger rail lines, and the repeat occurrence has intensified public concern over the safety and reliability of the corridor.