Derailed train
Minister of Transportation, Mr. Said Alkali, announced that the damaged sections of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line will be fully repaired within 10 days.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday during an inspection of the derailment site, Alkali highlighted ongoing efforts to restore the tracks following a derailment incident last Tuesday near Asham Station, which damaged parts of the rail and several coaches, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) staff are working tirelessly around the clock to clear and repair the affected tracks as quickly as possible,” Alkali stated. He praised the dedication of security agencies and stakeholders in safeguarding passengers, workers, and railway infrastructure at the site.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support, Alkali noted, “His backing has been crucial in enabling us to move the locomotive and coaches and expedite repairs to resume operations.”
He also commended the NRC’s Managing Director and team for their relentless efforts, saying, “They are on-site day and night to restore normalcy.”
Alkali confirmed that the investigation into the derailment is thorough but refrained from speculating on its findings, stating, “I’m not in a position to pre-empt the investigation.”
He was joined at the site by a team from the Ministry of Transportation, including the Director of Railway, engineers, and members of the investigative committee, alongside representatives from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and civil rights organizations.
The minister revealed that the damaged section spans approximately 150 meters and that eight affected coaches would be removed within two days.
“We will repair the sleepers, pallets, and rail track to resume operations swiftly,” he assured.
Alkali emphasized the government’s commitment to passenger welfare, adding, “The outcome of the investigation will guide us to prevent future incidents, by the grace of God Almighty.”
