THE Federal Government has inaugurated a high-powered investigative committee to probe the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment at Jere and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
The move was announced on Wednesday in a statement signed by Janet McDickson Noah, Director of Press and Information, Ministry of Transportation, following widespread concern over the safety of passengers who ply one of Nigeria’s busiest rail corridors.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, who ordered the probe, said the committee is tasked with identifying both the immediate and root causes of the derailment.
He directed the panel to: examine technical and operational lapses that led to the incident, recommend corrective and preventive measures to avert future accidents, propose long-term strategies for improving the efficiency, reliability, and safety of the nation’s rail transport system.
“The lives of passengers remain our top priority. This committee must ensure a thorough investigation and provide actionable recommendations that will safeguard Nigerians and restore confidence in our railways,” the minister said.
The committee is chaired by Musa O. Ibrahim, a senior official in the Department of Operations and Public Safety in Transport.
Members are drawn from a cross-section of government agencies, railway experts, private sector players, civil society organisations, and passengers’ representatives.
Notable members include:
Prof. Danwaka Shuaibu, Special Technical Adviser
Engr. Zirra Finbar, Director of Railway Technical Services
Barr. Omotola Olusegun, Director of Legal Services (Secretary)
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)
Engr. I.A. Ebuniwe, Inspector of Railway
The panel also includes representatives from Technics Engineering Architecture Marketing Nigeria Ltd, CCECC, a civil society group, and two passengers, one male and one female to ensure inclusivity and transparency.
Senator Alkali reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, stressing that the Abuja-Kaduna corridor, one of the busiest in the country must be safeguarded against recurring mishaps.
He emphasised that passenger safety and public confidence are paramount, and assured Nigerians that the recommendations of the probe panel would be implemented decisively.
“Rail transportation is central to our economic diversification agenda under the Renewed Hope administration. We cannot compromise on safety and efficiency,” the minister added.
The Abuja-Kaduna train service, considered one of the most important intercity transport links in Nigeria, has witnessed a series of challenges in recent years, ranging from bandit attacks in 2022 to technical and operational hitches.