Senate To Probe Rail Derailments

The Senate has resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the persistent derailments affecting the country’s rail lines.

The committee will be chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole. Other members include Senators Abaribe Enyinnaya, Aliyu Wamakko, Solomon Olamilekan, Danjuma Goje, Ireti Kingibe, Sahabi Yau, Ede Dafinone, Aliru, and Oshilogu. The committee has six weeks to complete its findings and submit a detailed report to the Senate.

The probe, which will include public hearings aimed at uncovering the root causes of recurring derailments, assessing the condition of rail infrastructure, and examining the quality of imported materials used in the sector. It will also investigate loans received from China for railway development.

In addition, lawmakers have directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to immediately address the technical faults responsible for recent derailments and restore the nation’s rail system to full operational capacity.

The Senate’s decision follows a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone regarding the recent derailment of the Ujevwu-Itakpe train line.

The motion called for urgent investigation, rehabilitation, and enhanced safety measures to protect passengers and national infrastructure.

The latest incident, the Warri-Itakpe train derailment in the Agbor area of Delta State, occurred just four days after train services resumed.

According to the NRC, the derailment happened at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and may have been caused by vandals.

Two out of the seven coaches of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) were involved. In a statement signed by Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Kayode Opeifa, the NRC confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated, with no casualties or injuries reported.

“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night, carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon,” the statement read.

The Senate’s intervention highlights growing concerns over railway safety and the need for sustained maintenance and oversight to prevent further accidents.