The Senate has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the rising number of train derailments across Nigeria, amid growing concerns over passenger safety and infrastructure decay.
The investigation, which will include a public hearing, aims to identify the root causes of recurring derailments, evaluate the state of rail infrastructure, and scrutinise the quality of imported materials used in the construction and maintenance of the rail network.
The committee, to be chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has also been tasked with examining the loans obtained from China for railway development projects. It has six weeks to submit a detailed report to the Senate.
Lawmakers further directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to urgently fix the technical faults responsible for recent derailments and restore full operational capacity across the rail system.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone, who drew attention to the recent derailment on the Ujevwu–Itakpe rail line. He called for a comprehensive investigation, urgent rehabilitation, and stronger safety measures to safeguard passengers and protect national infrastructure.
The latest incident occurred on the Warri–Itakpe train service near Agbor, Delta State, just four days after train operations resumed on the route. According to the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the derailment—which happened around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday—may have been caused by rail vandalism.
The NRC said that two of the seven coaches involved in the service were affected but confirmed that no lives were lost.
“We are pleased to confirm that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, and everyone has been fully accounted for. No casualties or injuries were recorded,” said Kayode Opeifa, the NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, in a statement.
He added that the recovery team, supported by security personnel, had been deployed to the site and that recovery operations were progressing steadily.
