The Senate has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the recurring derailments on Nigeria’s rail lines and assess the state of rail infrastructure across the country.
This followed the adoption of a motion on Tuesday sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone (APC–Delta) on the recent derailment of the Ujevwu–Itakpe train line.
The committee, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC–Edo), is tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation, including a public hearing, to determine the root causes of the persistent derailments.
It will also examine loans obtained from China and their utilisation for rail projects nationwide. Other members include Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA–Abia), Aliyu Wamakko (APC–Sokoto), Solomon Adeola (APC–Ogun), Danjuma Goje (APC–Gombe), Ireti Kingibe (LP–FCT), Sahabi Yau, Ede Dafinone (APC–Delta), and Adamu Alero (APC–Kebbi).
The committee has six weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate.
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In his motion, Dafinone recalled that the recent Warri–Itakpe train derailment in Agbor, Delta State, occurred just four days after train services on the route resumed.
He cited a statement from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) indicating that the derailment, which took place around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, was likely caused by vandalism.
According to the NRC, two of the seven coaches on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) were affected, but all passengers were safely evacuated without casualties.
“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night, carrying out recovery operations,” the NRC stated, adding that the process was progressing steadily.
The Senate also directed the NRC to immediately address the technical issues responsible for the recent incidents and restore the rail system to full operational capacity.
