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By Oscar Okhifo
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that train services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor will resume next week, weeks after operations were suspended following a derailment incident.
The passenger service was halted on August 26, 2025, when a train derailed around the Asham area.
The NRC explained that it has since completed repair works and conducted safety checks on the affected section of the track to pave the way for a safe resumption of operations.
NRC spokesman, Calistus Unyimadu, on Saturday, September 27, confirmed the development in Abuja.
He said staff of the Idu station had already undergone refresher training to strengthen safety and hazard-response protocols, adding that the corporation was committed to ensuring improved service delivery when operations restart.
On passenger refunds, the NRC disclosed that 512 of the 583 passengers affected by the derailment had been reimbursed, with arrangements ongoing to settle the remaining 71.
However, questions remain unanswered regarding the circumstances that led to the derailment.
It’s worth recalling that, a fact-finding committee was reportedly set up to probe the incident and determine whether it was caused by human error, system failure, sabotage, or vandalism.
But as of the time of filing this report, no findings have been made public. Stakeholders argue that Nigerians deserve to know what derailed the train, who should be held accountable, and what sanctions will follow if negligence or compromise is established.
Observers warn that without transparency and consequences, the country risks moving on as usual only to wait for another mishap on one of its busiest rail corridors or elsewhere.
While confirming that the Abuja–Kaduna route will reopen next week, Unyimadu added that the exact date and timetable for the resumption of services would be communicated in due course.