The Senate has constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the frequent derailments on Nigeria’s rail lines and evaluate the structural integrity of the country’s railway system.
The committee, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was inaugurated on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central). The panel is tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry, including a public hearing, to identify the root causes of recurring derailments, scrutinise the quality of rail materials used, and assess the condition of imported railway components.
Lawmakers also directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to immediately rectify technical faults across the network and restore full operational capacity.
As part of its assignment, the Oshiomhole-led committee will review the terms and utilisation of loans obtained from China for railway development projects. It is expected to submit its report to the Senate within six weeks.
The resolution followed last weekend’s derailment on the Ujevwu–Itakpe corridor, barely four days after operations resumed. The NRC confirmed that two of the seven coaches of the Warri–Itakpe train derailed near Agbor, Delta State, around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
In a statement signed by Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, the corporation attributed the incident to suspected vandalism but confirmed that no casualties occurred. “All passengers were safely evacuated to Agbor, and recovery efforts are ongoing with the support of security personnel,” the statement read.
The Senate said the investigation aims to identify systemic lapses in railway management, ensure transparency in public spending, and enhance the safety of passengers across Nigeria’s rail network.
