Daniel Otera
Nigeria’s railway system, once a critical lifeline for the nation’s economy, is increasingly plagued by derailments, safety lapses, and inefficiencies. The most recent incident along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor on August 26, 2025, underscores the systemic issues that continue to challenge the sector.
The derailment of a Kaduna-bound passenger train on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor marks the latest in a series of mishaps that have undermined public confidence in the country’s rail network. Although there were no fatalities, six passengers sustained minor injuries, and the incident stranded hundreds, highlighting the deep-rooted vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.
According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the derailment occurred at approximately 11:09 a.m. at kilometre marker 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations.
“Current information available indicates that six persons sustained injuries, and no recorded fatalities,” said Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, in an official statement.
A go-team of investigators was swiftly deployed to the site to gather evidence, engage stakeholders, and probe both immediate and underlying causes. NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy for the victims, stating, “We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The Bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered. Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.”
Eyewitnesses painted a chaotic picture as several carriages overturned, forcing passengers to scramble for safety. One passenger, speaking anonymously to Arise News, described the scene as “chaotic, with people scrambling to safety in fear and confusion.” The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), which operates the service, confirmed the incident in a statement signed by Managing Director Kayode Opeifa.
Out of the 618 passengers on board, all were safely evacuated back to Idu and Kubwa stations via a rescue train. Refunds were processed through a third-party ticketing agency. Opeifa highlighted the prompt response from emergency responders, medical personnel, and security forces. Services on the Abuja-Kaduna route remain suspended until further notice as NSIB investigates.
This incident is far from isolated. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that derailments have been the most common type of train accident in Nigeria between 2020 and 2022. In 2022 alone, derailments accounted for 44% of all train accidents, up from 35% in 2021 and 38% in 2020, according to Intelpoint’s analysis of NBS reports. Historical trends only highlight the persistence of the issue: in 2018, Nigeria recorded 523 train accidents overall, with 222 attributed to loss of control or locomotive failure, and derailments ranking third in frequency, according to Statista data citing NBS.
The Abuja-Kaduna line, a flagship standard-gauge route completed in 2016 at a cost of US$870 million with Chinese assistance, has been particularly prone to disruptions. Just days before the August 26 incident, on August 20, a “hot axle” fault caused by excessive heat friction on the journal housing stranded passengers near Rigasa Station in Kaduna, as confirmed by NRC spokesperson Callistus Unyimadu.
“The incident, which happened on Wednesday evening, is due to hot wheels friction as a result of abnormal temperature due to excessive heat,” Unyimadu explained, adding that the train was marshalled safely to Kaduna, though business-class capacity was affected.
Earlier derailments along the same corridor include a May 2024 incident near Jere Station, where three carriages derailed but passengers were unharmed, and a June 5, 2024 event at Asha Station shortly after departing Kubwa. Another derailment occurred on June 12, 2024, linked to vandalism, where clips were removed from tracks, stranding passengers for hours. Beyond this route, the Warri-Itakpe line also saw a derailment on July 4, 2024, between Itakpe and Ujehwu in Delta State, with no fatalities, but services were halted until July 8 after repairs.
These recurring incidents echo the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna attack, where bandits killed 10 and kidnapped over 60, leading to a six-month suspension of services.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani responded quickly, directing the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Ministry of Local Government Affairs to mobilize for evacuation, profiling, and medical treatment.
“Every necessary support must be extended to passengers to minimize the impact of this unfortunate incident,” Sani instructed through Commissioner-designate Ahmed Maiyaki. He also emphasized providing immediate medical care and psycho-social support to the affected individuals, urging residents to remain calm and assuring that the situation was under control and investigations were ongoing in collaboration with federal authorities.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was attending events in Brazil at the time, expressed sorrow over the incident. “I am deeply saddened by this incident. My heartfelt prayers are with the injured, their families, and all passengers who went through this distressing experience,” he stated, adding that he awaited a full briefing to ensure swift action and preventive measures.
Nigeria’s railway system, which spans 3,505 km of Cape gauge and 669 km of standard gauge, has suffered significant decline over the years. Originally established in 1898 to serve the British colonial agenda of resource extraction, the network was once a key part of Nigeria’s economy. By the early 1960s, the network was at its peak, handling over 12 million passengers annually. However, mismanagement and lack of investment in the post-independence period led to a steep decline, resulting in near-collapse by the 1990s.
Despite some attempts to revive the system, such as the 1995 $528 million rehabilitation deal with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, progress has been slow. By the late 20th century, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had seen its revenues plummet, from £16.30 million in 1964 to near collapse by the 1990s.
According to the Journal of Transport & Health (2022), a public oversight model significantly impacted the sector’s performance, with an ANOVA analysis revealing a steep decline in both passenger numbers and freight volumes from 1970 to 2010. Despite sporadic funding efforts, the NRC’s performance has remained poor.
The 2023 Social Statistics Report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that derailments have been frequent, with defects in both tracks and locomotives accounting for a significant portion of the incidents. Additionally, vandalism remains a persistent problem, exacerbating the network’s struggles.
Despite a modest increase in passenger traffic—NRC carried 3.21 million passengers in 2022, an 18.36% increase from the previous year—the financial outlook remains grim. In 2022, the sector’s revenue fell by 20%, to 4.55 billion naira. Passenger fares, which make up 63.5% of total revenue, remain heavily impacted by safety concerns and service disruptions, further deterring potential users.
Experts have pointed to chronic underfunding as a key factor hindering the growth of Nigeria’s railway network. The Bureau of Public Enterprises has documented a drastic reduction in workforce numbers—from 45,000 employees in the 1970s to under 14,000 today. Despite the pressing need for private sector involvement, the lack of sufficient investment, poor regulatory frameworks, and missed opportunities for foreign partnerships have left the network in a constant state of stagnation.
The historical underinvestment and neglect of Nigeria’s railway system have resulted in a crisis that affects not only rail travel but also broader economic and environmental issues. While there are ongoing efforts to modernize the network, such as the Lagos-Kano and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri lines, much more must be done.
Experts recommend an overhaul of the current management model, increased local manufacturing for rail components, and the introduction of stringent anti-vandalism measures. Until then, each derailment only serves to erode public trust in a system that holds the potential to become a key enabler of Nigeria’s economic development.
The August 26 derailment is a reminder of the urgent need for investment, proper regulation, and robust oversight. If these challenges are addressed, Nigeria’s railways could transform into a safe, efficient, and competitive transportation system, playing a crucial role in the country’s growth and development.