Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service will resume next week, weeks after operations were suspended following the August 26 derailment at Asham, near Kubwa.
In a press statement issued Saturday evening, NRC Chief Public Relations Officer Callistus Unyimadu said the restart follows “the successful completion of repair and safety checks on the affected section of track at Asham,” adding that further details on the exact date and timetable will be released in the coming days.
The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor one of Nigeria’s busiest intercity routes was shut down after a passenger train carrying 583 people derailed, forcing emergency evacuations and disrupting one of the country’s most relied-upon transport links.
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Although no fatalities were reported, several passengers sustained minor injuries, and investigators from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) were deployed to probe the cause. Preliminary findings pointed to human error and track maintenance issues as possible factors.
Since the suspension, NRC engineers have worked to restore both the damaged track and the rolling stock to what the corporation describes as “the highest safety standards in line with global best practices.”
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Security measures have also been reviewed, with railway officials coordinating with federal transport authorities and law enforcement agencies to reassure passengers of their safety.
As part of its commitment to passenger welfare, the NRC confirmed it has refunded 512 of the 583 passengers aboard the derailed train, with efforts underway to reach and process refunds for the remaining passengers.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our esteemed passengers and assure the general public that their safety, comfort, and satisfaction remain our top priority,” Unyimadu said.
Industry experts say the speedy repairs and refund measures are critical for restoring public confidence in the Abuja–Kaduna service, which serves thousands of daily commuters and remains a lifeline for trade and travel between the federal capital and northern Nigeria.
The reopening is expected to test the NRC’s ability to balance the need for efficient service with heightened safety demands as Nigeria’s rail network faces growing passenger traffic and aging infrastructure.
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