Abuja–Kaduna train mishap: Transport Minister, NRC MD rule out sabotage

By Kunle Sanni –

The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, and Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, have dismissed speculation of sabotage in last week’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment, assuring passengers of continued safety on the nation’s rail corridors.

Addressing State House correspondents at the weekend, Alkali said preliminary investigations pointed to an operational fault rather than deliberate interference. He noted that a technical committee was finalising its report and urged Nigerians to await its findings.

“We have fixed the point machines along the Abuja–Kaduna route, and since then there have been no major incidents. For this derailment, investigations are ongoing, and we don’t want to preempt the committee,” the minister explained.

A point machine, used to guide trains from one track to another, ensures that blades lock securely to prevent derailments.

Alkali acknowledged that vandalism of railway assets remained a persistent challenge despite recent arrests and prosecutions. He disclosed that four of the ten derailed coaches had been cleared with specialised cranes, adding that the government was working with the National Security Adviser on a comprehensive rail protection plan.

On reports that N30 billion was allocated for rail security in the 2023 budget, Alkali clarified that while the proposal was made, it was not captured in the final appropriation.

Meanwhile, NRC chief Opeifa tendered an unreserved apology to journalists over a fracas at the derailment site, particularly to the NTA reporter denied access. The apology followed a protest letter from the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), which condemned the harassment of its former national chairperson, Comrade Ladi Bala.

“If any journalist felt excluded or mistreated at the accident scene, I take full responsibility and sincerely apologise,” Opeifa said. “We are committed to transparency and will ensure the press gets unhindered access to information.”