The Senate has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the recurring derailments of trains across Nigeria, amid growing concerns over the safety and reliability of the nation’s rail network.
The decision followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Ede Dafinone, who raised alarm over the recent derailment of the Ujevwu-Itakpe train line in Delta State—barely four days after services resumed on that route.
The committee, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has been mandated to carry out a comprehensive probe through a public hearing to determine the causes of frequent derailments, assess the state of rail infrastructure, and evaluate the quality of imported materials used in the sector.
As part of its mandate, the committee will also examine loans secured from China for rail development projects. It has six weeks to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report to the Senate.
Lawmakers further directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to immediately fix the technical issues responsible for recent derailments and ensure the full restoration of safe and efficient rail operations nationwide.
The NRC, in a statement signed by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed that the latest derailment of the Warri–Itakpe train occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday near Agbor, Delta State.
According to the corporation, two of the seven coaches involved were affected, but all passengers were safely evacuated with no casualties or injuries reported.
“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon,” Opeifa stated.
