NRC MD Kayode Opeifa Takes Full Responsibility For Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has taken full responsibility for Tuesday’s Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, which occurred shortly after departure from Abuja.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Opeifa apologized to Nigerians and promised a transparent investigation into the incident.

“Beyond apologising to Nigerians, I want to state clearly—as the Managing Director and Chief Executive—I take full responsibility. When it comes to safety, there is no room for indifference. Once something like this happens, the chief executive must own it—and I do,” he said.

Opeifa confirmed that no lives were lost, but four passengers sustained serious injuries, while two others were treated and discharged. He added that all 618 passengers on board would be monitored for post-traumatic effects.

The NRC chief assured Nigerians that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence, citing similar safety shutdowns on the Warri-Itakpe line for track repairs.

On whether sabotage was suspected, Opeifa said it would be premature to draw conclusions before the investigation is completed, noting that the Kaduna corridor is under military surveillance.

“The investigation will tell us what happened, and I wouldn’t want to comment because I’m a party to the investigation,” he said.

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is currently leading the probe and will determine when the site can be reopened for reconstruction. Opeifa estimated that repairs would take no more than 30 days once clearance is given.

The derailment, which occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, forced the NRC to suspend Abuja-Kaduna train operations until further notice. Opeifa also dismissed claims that the trains were not in good condition and confirmed that refunds have been initiated for affected passengers.

This marks the second derailment involving an Abuja-Kaduna train in less than two years, following a similar incident in Kubwa, FCT, in January 2023, where no casualties were recorded.