NRC Breaks Silence on Abuja–Kaduna Rail Chaos, Issues Strong Clarification

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has defended its handling of the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service, insisting that the recent reduction in trips is a temporary setback caused by unavoidable incidents and not the result of poor management or neglect.

The Corporation made the clarification in response to an article by veteran journalist Muhammad Iskeel Abdullahi, who highlighted the frustrations of passengers on the corridor.

In a statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC said it appreciated the concerns raised and acknowledged that the Abuja–Kaduna route, being the flagship of the country’s modern rail revival, attracts heightened scrutiny whenever disruptions occur.

The Corporation expressed regret over the discomfort commuters have faced since the derailment of 26 August, which damaged its leading Diesel Multiple Unit coaches and forced a reduction in service frequency.

The NRC explained that the service constraints are the outcome of two major incidents that disrupted operations.

It recalled that the March 2022 terrorist attack, which caused the loss of lives and widespread trauma, led to an overhaul of operating procedures, restrictions on late trips and deeper collaboration with security agencies to prevent a recurrence.

The more recent derailment further reduced the number of usable coaches, prompting a temporary adjustment in schedules while repairs and technical certification of the affected rolling stock continue.

According to the Corporation, these challenges represent a stage of recovery and rebuilding, rather than a decline in commitment.

It said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has continued to support efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure nationwide, and that the Minister of Transport remains actively engaged with NRC to fast-track the restoration of full operations along the corridor.

Unyimadu added that repairs on the damaged coaches are being expedited, alternative rolling stock is being explored where feasible, and security along the route remains a top priority.

He noted that restoring multiple daily trips remains a central operational target and assured commuters that visible improvements will emerge as the restoration process advances.

The NRC appealed for continued understanding from the public, reaffirming that the Abuja–Kaduna service remains one of its proudest achievements.

It said customer feedback, including Abdullahi’s critique, reinforces its determination to maintain safety, reliability and excellence. The Corporation also encouraged passengers to reach out directly to the Managing Director via SMS on 08075005411 for further communication.