THE Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has revealed that human error, excessive speeding, and the misapplication of the emergency braking system were the primary causes of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment that occurred on August 26, 2025, leaving 22 passengers injured and hundreds more shaken.
The NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday received by News Point Nigeria, following the conclusion of an internal investigation into the frightening incident near Asham.
The accident, which saw several coaches of the Abuja-bound passenger train overturn, triggered panic among the 618 passengers onboard. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic and terrifying,” with many fearing it was another terrorist attack similar to the March 2022 incident that left several passengers dead and abducted.
According to Dr. Opeifa, the derailment was not linked to sabotage but rather operational lapses.
“Our in-house investigation revealed that the train was traveling at excessive speed, and the operator misapplied the emergency braking system. Management has accepted all recommendations of the investigative team and corrective measures are being implemented immediately,” the NRC boss stated.
He added that while the corporation awaits the outcome of the Ministerial Committee and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s (NSIB) official findings, the NRC is already taking decisive steps to prevent a repeat.
The NRC confirmed that all derailed coaches and the locomotive have been successfully re-railed and towed to designated workshops for further technical evaluation.
Repair work on the mainline has been completed, allowing for the safe resumption of train services in the coming days, while repairs on the secondary line remain ongoing.
“Our engineers have restored the main track to a safe operational level. Train services will recommence soon, though work on the second line will continue until full rehabilitation is achieved,” Opeifa explained.
He added that a comprehensive safety and infrastructure assessment is underway to ensure the Abuja–Kaduna corridor meets “the highest standards of safety, durability, and reliability.”
Out of the 618 passengers, the NRC confirmed that 22 sustained varying degrees of injuries, with most already in recovery.
The corporation said it has successfully contacted 512 passengers, while efforts are still ongoing to reach 71 others who provided incorrect contact details or have been unresponsive.
Dr. Opeifa also extended appreciation to passengers for their patience and to the media and security agencies for their role during rescue and recovery operations.
“We deeply regret the trauma experienced by passengers and their families. Safety remains our topmost priority, and we are committed to rebuilding public trust in our rail system,” he assured.
The NRC pledged stricter operational oversight, retraining of personnel, and the adoption of advanced safety monitoring systems to ensure the Abuja–Kaduna rail line, a lifeline for thousands of commuters remains secure and efficient.
Meanwhile, an official date for the resumption of passenger services will be announced in the coming days.