Senate Launches 6-week Probe Into Frequent Train Derailments

The Senate has set up a special ad-hoc committee to investigate the rising cases of train derailments across the country, following last Saturday’s incident on Warri–Itakpe rail line, in which two of the seven coaches derailed at Kilometre 212+8m in Agbor, Delta State.

The committee, to be chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has been tasked to examine the state of rail infrastructure nationwide, the quality of imported materials being used for rail projects, and in addition investigate the loans received from China. The panel is expected to submit its findings within six weeks.

In a resolution passed on Tuesday, the Senate said the investigation was expected to uncover the root causes of what lawmakers described as “persistent derailments” across the country.

The upper chamber also resolved that the committee should hold a public hearing as part of the probe.

The decision followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Delta North Senator, Ede Dafinone, who cited last week’s derailment on the Ujevwu–Itakpe line, barely days after train services resumed on that route.

Recall that, in a statement, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident and said no casualties were recorded. NRC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa, said preliminary checks suggested that the derailment may have resulted from suspected track vandalism.

“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.”

He also noted that train services along the corridor were temporarily suspended to allow for a detailed audit of the affected tracks.

Meanwhile, the Senate has directed the NRC to urgently rectify the faults responsible for the recent incidents and ensure the safe restoration of full rail services nationwide.