The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has moved to reassure the public following the derailment of its Abuja-Kaduna passenger service, announcing the creation of an incident desk to handle information requests and provide regular progress reports.
NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, revealed the measures in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday. Dedicated telephone lines have been assigned to assist passengers and their families with enquiries.
The accident occurred on 26 August when a train travelling between Kubwa and Asham stations left the tracks, damaging two locomotives and eight coaches. Engineers have since retrieved one locomotive and four coaches, which have been transferred to Idu Station for assessment. Recovery operations for the remaining coaches and another locomotive are under way, with heavy equipment being deployed.
Of the 618 people on board — including 583 passengers, railway staff, medical workers, cleaners, and catering crew — all were safely evacuated. However, 20 passengers sustained injuries, nine of them serious.
“The corporation accepts full responsibility for the derailment and continues to support those affected,” Opeifa said, noting that 510 passengers have been successfully contacted so far.
He expressed gratitude to security forces for securing the site and to the media for its role in public communication. Opeifa also welcomed the visit of Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali, who praised the NRC’s recovery efforts.
The NRC has pledged to restore services in the shortest possible time. “Safety and reliability remain our utmost priorities,” Opeifa added.
