President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over Tuesday’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment and said he is awaiting a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for affected passengers.
The incident occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna, leaving several passengers injured. Tinubu, who is currently in Brazil, extended his prayers to the victims and assured that necessary measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
“I am staying updated on the latest developments and await a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for all affected. The NRC is already addressing the situation, and necessary steps are expected to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Tinubu stated on X.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has taken responsibility for the derailment. Appearing on a television programme on Wednesday, Opeifa apologised to Nigerians and confirmed that four passengers sustained serious injuries while two were discharged immediately.
“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,” he said.
Opeifa added that NRC will follow up with all 618 passengers onboard to provide support for possible post-traumatic experiences.
Train operations on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor have since been suspended pending the outcome of investigations by NRC, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, and other relevant agencies.
