I take responsibility for Abuja-Kaduna train derailment — Kayode Opeifa

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

Opeifa made this known on Wednesday during an interview on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme, where he addressed questions regarding the incident.

“Let me say, beyond apologising to Nigeria, I want to say as the Managing Director and Chief Executive, I take full responsibility. And in the case of safety, there is no indifference. Once it happens, the Chief Executive must take responsibility. In this case, I am taking responsibility,” he said.

The NRC boss assured Nigerians that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and not swept under the carpet. He further emphasised that steps were being taken to prevent a recurrence.

“I want to assure Nigerians that an incident like this is not expected, is not prayed for, should not be happening, but where it does, it is to bring out the best in us.

“And I assure Nigerians that just as we are doing currently on the Warri-Itakpe, which we shut down three weeks ago for safety reasons, we are working to cut off weak portions of the track and replace them.

The same measures will be applied to ensure this does not happen again,” Opeifa added.

The derailment occurred on Tuesday morning shortly after the Abuja-Kaduna train departed the Federal Capital Territory at about 11 a.m. on its way to Kaduna.