The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, has set up a committee of experts to investigate the recent derailment of a passenger train at Jerre station, Abuja, on 26 August. The train, which was heading to Kaduna State, left six passengers injured but no fatalities were recorded.
The move, according to a press statement issued by Janet McDickson Noah, Director of Press and Information at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, is part of government efforts to enhance the safety and security of rail passengers nationwide.
Senator Alkali directed the committee to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the derailment and to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. The committee will also explore ways to strengthen the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s railway system.
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The committee is chaired by Mr Musa Ibrahim and includes:
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Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (Member)
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Professor Danwaka Shuaibu, Special Technical Adviser to the Minister (Member)
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Engineer Zirra Finbar (Member)
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Barrister Omotola Olusegun, Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Transportation (Member/Secretary)
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Engineer Ebuniwe, Inspector of Railways (Member)
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Representatives of Technics Engineering & Architecture Marketing Nig. Ltd., and China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) (Members)
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Representative of a Civil Society Organisation (Member)
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One male passenger representative (Member)
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One female passenger representative (Member)
Prior to the inauguration of the committee, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had already commenced its own investigation into the incident. The NSIB confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries during the derailment but emphasised that no lives were lost.
The establishment of the ministerial committee underscores the government’s resolve to ensure accountability and improve the reliability of rail transport, a critical component of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
